Do Google reviews help your SEO?

When the world’s most popular search engine decides to feature customer reviews directly on its results page, you can’t ignore the impact this has on your business, especially if you’re a business owner.

Google reviews are definitely a Google My Business ranking factor, which means they can help improve your SEO. The more reviews you have, and the higher the rating, the more likely it is that Google will draw traffic to your site.

Google also takes into account the recency of your reviews, so it’s important to keep up with them. Check out our — Understanding SEO Series launching February 15. This free series shares easy on-page SEO tips to help your rankings.

Here are some top stats:

• 93% of users say online reviews had an impact on their buying decisions
• 81% of consumers use Google to evaluate local businesses
• Yelp receives 26,830 new reviews per minute
• 75% of businesses don’t respond to negative reviews

Request reviews on Google

While unhappy customers are often quick to hop online to write a bad review. You want to build up a repertoire of positive reviews online, so don;t be afraid to ask for them.

Before you dive in and send review requests to everyone on your database, find your biggest brand advocates first. Who are your most loyal customers? Who’s actively praising your products or service on social media? Use their voice to kick start your campaign.

Reviews build trust and allow your business to stand out on search results. Share your Google “review link” with your customers and make it easy for them to leave you a review.

1. Visit your Google My Business page

2. Click on Get Reviews

3. Copy your personalized review link

4. Paste and share it with your customers via email or through messaging platforms

Why responding to Google reviews is important

Managing your reviews is a keystone in Reputation Management. Google Reviews help potential customers understand what they can expect from your business. Positive reviews lets potential customers know that you’re providing a good product or service. While we know we cannot please everyone, responding to negative reviews professionally is upmost important.

A negative review is not the end of your business. The average web user seems capable enough of discerning the difference between the legitimacy of a review. However, reviews often become the deciding factor for gaining and mainting customers trust in your brand.

That being said, the same rule applies to all reviews…it’s important to respond! That’s how you manage your brand reputation on and offline.

How to reply to Google reviews

1. Sign in to Google My Business by going to business.google.com.
2. On the left sidebar, click ‘Reviews.’
3. A list of your recent reviews will come up. Find the review you want to reply to.
4. Click ‘Reply.’
5. A message box will open for you to write your response.
6. Click ‘Post reply.’

Respond to Google reviews professionally:

Acknowledge the Feedback: Start your response by thanking the customer for their review and taking the time to share their experience.

Be Empathetic: Show empathy and understanding of the customer’s perspective, even if you disagree with their feedback.

Take Responsibility: If there was a mistake, apologize and take responsibility for it. Offer to make it right.

Offer Solutions: If the customer has a problem or concern, offer a solution to resolve it.

Keep it Professional: Avoid using slang, profanity, or responding in a negative tone. Stay calm and professional at all times.

Be Timely: Respond to reviews as soon as possible to show you value the customer’s feedback.

Personalize Your Response: Address the customer by name and make the response personal to show that you care about their individual experience.

Keep it Brief: Keep your response concise and to the point. Avoid lengthy responses that could be perceived as a lecture.

By following these tips, you can respond to Google reviews professionally and show that your business values customer feedback. below are examples of responding to both a negative or positive Google review. Don;t be afraid to make it your own but remeber to keep it professional!

Key Takeaways:

1. Google reviews affect how customers preceive your brand and their buying decisions.

2. Google reviews can improve your SEO ranking.

3. It’s important to ask your customers to leave you a review and be sure to respond to all reviews.

4. Always respond to positive and negative reviews professionally and respectfully. There are lots of exapmples online to help you.