It’s common practise these days to decide whether or not to trust a company based on the Google reviews it has received. But do Google reviews help SEO? Read on for a deep dive into how Google reviews impact SEO, and how you can use your Google Business Profile to manage them.
The SEO benefits of Google reviews
1. Higher ranking in search results
Whilst Google has never shared their algorithm, there is plenty of evidence to support the theory that reviews help determine your website’s ranking in search – particularly, in local results.
A high click-through rate to your website, bolstered by the affirmation of five-star Google reviews, reassures the algorithm that your business is trustworthy. This will send your website rising up the results page for searches relevant to your business.
2. Increased website traffic
Google reviews of businesses are the social proof many of us use when first interacting with a business online. If someone has searched for your business, and discovered you have a plethora of glowing Google reviews, they are far more likely to visit your website – thereby increasing your website traffic from users interested in your business.
Increased website traffic from people who have searched for queries your business can help them solve can also lead to a higher conversion rate – provided your content and the user experience of your website is as good as your Google reviews.
3. Improved local rankings
Whenever you search for something in Google with a clear “local intent” (i.e. you are looking for something in your immediate vicinity) the Google Local Pack comes into play.
The Google Local Pack is a series of three local businesses that earn themselves a prestigious, prominent spot in results page for certain enquires.
The Local Pack also displays average star ratings and the number of Google reviews your business has received, showing just how important they are to Google.
Setting up Google reviews to benefit your SEO
So, having established that Google reviews are indeed important for SEO – how do you set them up, and how do you get more of them?
1. How to set up Google reviews
Step one is to ensure you’ve set up a Google Business Profile for your business. This will involve choosing the category your business falls under, inputting your contact information and business address, and your business hours.
It’s also important to verify that you are rightful owner of your business, which can take a few weeks. Once you have successfully verified your Google Business Profile, you will be able to receive and respond to Google reviews.
2. How to send a link for a Google review
Once you’ve verified your business with Google, getting a review link is simple:
- Log into your Google Business Profile.
- Select “Your Business Profiles”.
- Go to the Overview section, scroll to “Get more reviews” and select “Share profile”.
- This will generate a Google review link. You can then send this to any customers and clients to encourage them to leave your business a review.
3. How to get more Google reviews
Now you’re able to generate a Google review link, you might be wondering how to increase Google reviews for your business. There are a few ways you can go about this.
- Ask your customers: Don’t be afraid to be proactive. Asking your customers for a review soon after they’ve made a purchase is the best way to get honest, helpful feedback from happy customers who appreciate your service.
- Email marketing: Email marketing is a great way of automating the process of asking for Google reviews. An eCommerce website can be set up to automatically send a polite review request to a customer after they’ve made a purchase.
- Say thanks: Responding to reviews – both good and bad – is a good way to demonstrate that you are an approachable business who care about doing a good job. Thanking someone for leaving a review shows gratitude, humanity, and will help you stick in the memory of that customer as someone who values their business. It will also make new customers more likely to leave a review too.
4. How to respond to Google reviews
As touched on above, it’s important to respond to both positive and negative Google reviews of your business. It tells prospective customers that you are responsive and genuinely care about what people think about your business and the quality of the service you provide.
When responding to a negative Google review, there are a few top tips to follow:
- Apologise to the customer and thank them for taking the time to provide feedback.
- If the issue they’ve raised is clear and easily solved, offer a solution.
- If the issue requires further clarification, offer some contact details so the customer can reach you directly.
