How Google Reviews Boost Local SEO

Algorithm – a word that was once reserved for eliciting fear in high school classrooms is now a buzzword that permeates our society. And for good reason. Algorithms have infiltrated our lives from the ads we’re shown to the social media posts we’re recommended.

When you’re a business owner, the battle is ongoing as you try to dissect Google algorithms to improve your local SEO (search engine optimization).

A major tool in this arsenal is Google reviews.

General SEO vs. Local SEO

Before you continue, it’s important to make sure you understand the difference in general and local SEO. As the name implies, local SEO focuses on ranking in your geographical area. Think about how many times users will add “near me” or their specific city to a search.

This differentiation is particularly important for businesses that provide location-specific services to capture the biggest consumer base. Think about it this way – a nail salon must have physical clients come in to make a profit, so it’s very important that they rank high in local SEO.

There are a few keyways to improve local SEO, but Google reviews just might rank at the top.

How Do Google Reviews Boost Local SEO?

Google reviews are one of the most effective – and free! – ways to boost local SEO. But why exactly do they help? For starters, positive Google reviews establish a potential customer’s trust in your business.

If a customer or consumer is comparing two options, of course the one with tens, or even hundreds, of positive reviews is not only going to rate higher in search engines but will give the consumer trust in your business before they ever reach.

These reviews are particularly helpful when the reviewer includes keywords like the location and services or products offered.

Further, receiving a steady stream of reviews essentially tells Google that your business is active. Have you ever gone to a website and it looks like it hasn’t been updated in years? If you’re like most people, you click away and on to the next. And the longer your site remains inactive, including not obtaining Google reviews, the further down the results list you’ll fall until you’re in Google

Don’t Forget!

A crucial mistake by some business owners is not ensuring accurate information on their Google profile, including contact information, location, business hours, and services provided.

These mistakes make for a negative user experience (thinking of arriving at a store only to find they’re closed when their website says open). And in a world with multiple, fast options, a negative user experience is a lost customer.

How Can You Increase Your Number of Google Reviews?

So, your Google profile is accurate. Now all you have to do is provide excellent service and watch the reviews roll in, right? Sadly, no. Outside of extremely negative experiences, many consumers simply don’t leave reviews if they aren’t asked.

Thankfully, there are some easy tactics you can employ to improve your chances.

1. Ask in person! When there’s a face behind the business, a consumer is more likely to leave a personal review.

2. Follow-up emails or text messages that simply ask consumers to take a few minutes to leave a review are also helpful. The key here is to make it as easy as possible for the consumer, so include links or quick access to leave their review.

3. Entice consumers by hosting giveaways selecting from customers who write reviews. (Note: be sure this is for any review, not just positive ones).

4. Respond to the reviews that are left. If a potential customer sees a business owner actively thanking consumers as well as addressing concerns, their trust in the business can increase.

Ranking Overall

Competition is fierce in the online world, so focusing on local SEO is more important than ever. You can give yourself an advantage if you can capitalize on Google reviews. These reviews not only help establish trust with potential customers, but they help rank higher in a Google search, which means greater visibility. So, double check your Google profile and get to work getting those reviews!

Ready to Rank Higher on Google in Livonia and Nearby Areas?

If you want to be seen online, Web Fox Marketing can help you turn Google reviews and local SEO into real leads. From GBP optimization to ongoing local SEO, we focus on the actions that move rankings and bring in business. Book a free strategy call today.

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