Why Getting Google Reviews Is Just the First Step
Reviews on Google Maps are a significant ranking factor for local businesses, but obtaining them is just the first step. To maximize their impact on local SEO, reviews must be managed strategically.
Always Be Getting New Reviews
Infrequent reviews will not provide as much benefit as a steady stream of fresh reviews will on Google Maps.
When people see old reviews, they may wonder if you are still in business or if the good reputation you used to have has changed.
Here are our resources for getting more reviews on Google:
How to Send Your Customers a Google Business Profile Review Link
Always Engage With Your Reviewers and Potential Customers and Clients
Replying to Reviews
Replying to every review as soon as you receive it is vital. Doing so shows potential customers and clients that you care about them and their business.
Here are our resources for replying to reviews:
How to Respond to Negative Reviews: Best Practices and Examples
Positive Online Review Responses: Best Practices and Examples
Responding to Google Business Listing Messages
Be conscientious about replying to your Google Messages. While Google hasn’t stated that message replies serve as a ranking factor, they measure your responsiveness to messages. That’s a good indication that they care. Customers and clients also care. When they reach out to you, they want to hear back right away. They may take their business elsewhere if another company replies first.
To save time and energy, consider building templates with answers. That way, you can copy/paste responses as needed.
Take Advantage of Google Business Profile Posts
Google posts show Google and your customers or clients that you’re putting in effort to keep your listing updated. It’s an immediate way for them to see that you are still in business.
They’re most helpful when you can use them to showcase promotions or events, but you can use them for almost anything, including photos of your projects, products, or people.
Need Help Getting Reviews?
Learn more about how we can help you gather, manage, and promote your reviews.