If you run a business, you’ve probably heard people mention Google reviews. You might even have a few without doing much to get them. But here’s the thing: Google reviews are more than just a nice pat on the back. They can directly influence how many customers walk through your door, call your number, or click that “buy now” button.
Let’s break down why they’re so important and how you can start getting more of them.
Why Google Reviews Are a Big Deal
1. They influence buying decisions
Think about the last time you searched for a restaurant, hair salon, or local service. Did you click on the business with two stars, or the one with a long list of glowing five-star reviews? Chances are, you trusted the one with more positive feedback. Your customers are the same. People want reassurance before they spend their money, and reviews give them that confidence.
2. They boost your search visibility
Google uses reviews as part of its ranking factors for local search results. That means if two businesses are equally close to a customer, but one has more and better reviews, that business is more likely to show up higher in the search results. More visibility usually means more leads.
3. They build trust before the first interaction
When potential customers see positive reviews, they feel like they know what to expect. It’s a form of social proof. Someone else has already tried your business, had a great experience, and was willing to vouch for you publicly.
How to Get More Google Reviews
Getting reviews is not about pestering people until they finally give in. It’s about making it easy and natural for happy customers to share their experiences.
1. Ask at the right time
Timing is everything. If you run a service-based business, ask right after you’ve completed the work and the customer is happy. If you own a store or restaurant, you could ask after the customer compliments the product or service. The key is to ask when their positive feelings are fresh.
2. Make it easy
Don’t just say, “Leave us a review.” Provide a direct link to your Google review page in an email, text, or on a small card. The fewer steps people have to take, the more likely they are to do it.
3. Train your team to help
If you have staff, encourage them to ask for reviews when customers express satisfaction. A friendly, “We’d really appreciate it if you could leave us a quick review on Google” can go a long way.
4. Respond to all reviews
Yes, even the negative ones. Thank customers for their positive feedback, and address concerns politely and professionally if the review is less than perfect. This shows you value feedback and are committed to improving.
5. Use reminders wisely
If a customer hasn’t left a review after you’ve asked, it’s fine to send a gentle follow-up once. Avoid spamming or pressuring them, as that can have the opposite effect.
The Bottom Line
Google reviews are one of the simplest, most effective ways to build trust, improve your search visibility, and attract more customers. By asking at the right time, making the process easy, and showing you value feedback, you can create a steady stream of positive reviews that help your business grow.
If you haven’t looked at your Google reviews lately, now is a great time to start. A little effort in this area can have a big impact on your business. Book a free inbound marketing consultation with Melanie to learn how you can improve your businesses online presence.
