The many benefits of Google reviews include Google ranking for local SEO, leveling the playing field, online reputation, and helping your business standout.
Google reviews can give businesses a big credibility boost without having to spend a dime. The many benefits of getting Google reviews include Google ranking for local SEO, leveling the playing field, increasing your online reputation, and helping mom and pop operations.
So what is a Google Review, exactly? Google reviews allow any good business to prove themselves to their potential customers. People are able to go online and list their thoughts about the company without having to download an app. The reviews level the playing field where marketing hype, expensive campaigns, and slick copy become less relevant.
Of course, those same campaigns and slick copy can certainly have a huge impact. But they become less relevant in the context of Google business reviews, since reviews serve as transparency and social proof rather than beautiful marketing. Any searcher can type in a search query and stumble upon businesses with reviews from actual customers and make an informed decision on whether or not they should engage with that business—with positive reviews pushing them towards conversion.
More Reviews. More Business.
Another one of the benefits of reviews is that they provide the opportunity for a business to level the playing field in regard to local SEO. Big or small, the business who takes advantage of Google reviews is in a position to rank higher in local search results. If Google thinks that the local shop selling running shoes provides a better experience than your average retail giant, that local shop can end up higher in the local search rankings. That same example goes for the retail giant.
What I’m getting at is that on Google, positive reviews have unprecedented power. A power to influence brand trust, local SEO, and feedback. That’s why we’ve put together a list and explanation of the top 5 benefits of online reviews.
1. Google Business Reviews Increase Brand Trust
Transparency is becoming more and more relevant for consumers. That relevance (and importance) placed on transparency can largely be accredited to the accessibility to vast amounts of information on any given business. Today, it’s not uncommon for a consumer to research a business before purchasing products or services. In fact, nearly 88% of consumers have read reviews to determine the quality of a local business. A large part of this research is generally done through Google reviews.
To really hammer home the power of Google business reviews, the same survey reports a staggering 72% of consumers say positive reviews make them trust a local business more than they may have otherwise. This provides a great opportunity for local businesses to gain a competitive advantage over the next business by collecting Google reviews. Conversely, it creates a sense of urgency with how to respond to negative reviews, which will further build customer trust.
2. Google Business Reviews Increase Online Exposure & Local SEO
Google’s search algorithms are complex (that’s an understatement). But, there is one thing for sure: Google reviews have an impact on Google local search. According to Moz, roughly 9% of Google’s entire search algorithm is driven by review signals like the ones you’ll find in a business’ Google reviews. These review signals are generally focused around review quantity, velocity, and diversity.
A well-balanced combination of these three review signals can help catapult your local business towards the top of Google local search results. This helps your business get found much more easily and quickly than utilizing only traditional SEO activities like keyword research and blogging. While still important, as a local business it’s critical that you don’t rely only on traditional methods and neglect other mediums like Google reviews.
With proper execution, Google business reviews can be one of your most successful marketing tactics. This is partially because Google business reviews allow your business to show up in the “Map Pack.” The Map Pack (shown below) consists of a group of businesses near the location from where you’re searching. The map pack displays the name and link to the business, the address and phone number, and the total number of Google reviews in addition to the average rating.
3. Improve Click-Through Rates to Your Website with Google Reviews
Any smart business knows that it’s vital to get customers to click on your link when it shows up in a search engine. You may spend all the time and money in the world on your SEO strategy, but if people aren’t actually clicking on your business, all the effort is in vain. Luckily, having Google reviews is an excellent way to increase the click-through rate when you show up in a search engine. Your Google review rating will show up next to your business name in Google, so a good collection of positive ratings will increase clicks through to your site.
How Real Businesses Benefit From Google Reviews
Now that you’ve learned about the key benefits of using Google reviews, you may be wondering if real businesses are experiencing these benefits. In short, the answer is yes. Here are some examples of real businesses benefiting from online reviews:
- Shannon Fine Jewelry has a 5-star rating on Google and almost 200 Google reviews, which has led to increased traffic to the site. Customers report this is directly because of the reviews they’ve read online.
- Gallery Furniture has garnered 9,517 new reviews online, resulting in a huge increase in web traffic and inbound calls from customers searching online. They spend less online on paid search results and other marketing efforts because of their presence on Google reviews.
- Zerorez carpet cleaners has greatly improved their customer service and business thanks to the feedback of 13,000+ online reviews.
- Paul’s Pest Control has grown their business into a new market thanks to all the customers who choose them because of their positive online reviews.
So what can you do?
You can buy Google reviews with GoViral services!
As GoViral, we understand the importance of Google Reviews for businesses. Google Reviews are significant in shaping a business’s online reputation and credibility.
They provide social proof and establish trust among potential customers. Positive reviews act as testimonials, showcasing the reliability and trustworthiness of a business, thereby influencing the decision-making process.
Customers tend to choose businesses with more positive reviews, which signals a positive experience.
Furthermore, Google Reviews is crucial in local search engine optimization (SEO). Positive reviews, especially those containing relevant keywords, improve local search rankings, enhancing a business’s visibility in local search results.
This increased visibility attracts more potential customers and leads to higher conversion rates.
Google Reviews also provide valuable insights into customer experiences, preferences, and expectations. Analyzing these reviews helps businesses identify areas for improvement, address customer concerns, and tailor their products or services accordingly.
This feedback loop helps businesses meet customer expectations, enhance customer satisfaction, and build long-lasting relationships.
Having a higher number of positive Google Reviews gives businesses a competitive advantage. It differentiates them from competitors and establishes their brand as trustworthy and reputable.
A strong review profile makes businesses stand out, attracting more customers and solidifying their position as industry leaders.
Additionally, Google Reviews contribute to a business’s online visibility. Positive reviews generate user-generated content, which improves online visibility and organic search rankings. This increased visibility leads to more exposure and opportunities for customer engagement.
