Blog - Local Review

An active Google Business Page is an asset for your local business.

Starting in December 2023 Google will be making updates to their Google Business Page policies. The biggest change will impact inactive Google Business Pages.

If an account hasn’t been used for an extended period of time, it is more likely to be compromised. This is because forgotten or unattended accounts often rely on old or re-used passwords that may have been compromised, haven’t had two factor authentication set up, and receive fewer security checks by the user.–Google Policy Update

Service-based businesses should regularly update their Google Business Pages with the following ranked in order of importance:

Keep your business information up-to-date. This includes hours, address, phone number, website, and other key details. Outdated info signals your business may be inactive.
Add high-quality photos that showcase your business, especially the exterior and interior. Photos bring your business to life and show customers what to expect.
Encourage customer reviews. Reviews show your business is active and provide social proof. Respond professionally to all reviews.
Create Posts regularly to engage customers. Share news, events, offers, etc. Posts keep your page lively.
Optimize your profile with relevant keywords so customers can easily find you. Include keywords in your description, products/services, and photos.
Verify your business by receiving a postcard or email confirmation code from Google. Verification gives your page more credibility.
Link your other profiles like Facebook and Instagram so customers can easily connect with you. Cross-promoting shows you’re active on multiple platforms.
Analyze your page Insights to see how customers interact with your profile and what brings them to your page. Use this to guide your strategy.
Promote your profile link/sticker in emails, on social media, and on your website so customers can easily find and follow your page.
Engage with customers who comment or ask questions on your posts in a timely manner. Quick responses show you’re actively monitoring your page.

An active Google Business Profile is invaluable for service businesses to connect with local customers. Follow these tips consistently to maximize your reach and engage with potential new clients.

Learn more about updating your business page here.

Having an active and optimized Google Business Profile is extremely important these days, as it has become the go-to resource for customers searching for local businesses.

According to recent surveys and studies:

97% of consumers now look online for local services, with 34% using search engines like Google (BrightLocal). This means the majority of potential customers in your area are likely starting their search on Google.
92% of customers read online reviews for local businesses before visiting in person (BrightLocal). An impressive 88% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations (Search Engine Journal). This makes reviews on your GBP invaluable.
50% of mobile searches have local intent (Search Engine Journal). With mobile searches now making up over half of all searches, local results like your GBP profile have tremendous visibility.
78% of local mobile searches result in offline purchases (Search Engine Journal). So a findable and well-optimized GBP profile drives calls, walk-ins, and sales.
Hours, locations, contact info are the most frequently sought details on local business listings (Moz). Keeping your GBP updated helps customers easily get info they need.

The data clearly shows just how important an active, engaging Google Business Profile is for service-based businesses to connect with local customers. Follow the tips above and your GBP can become an invaluable marketing asset.

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Google Business Reviews track several key aspects to provide valuable insights to both businesses and consumers.

Here’s a breakdown of the different aspects in a Google Review:

Star Ratings: Users rate a business on a scale from 1 to 5 stars. This is the most immediate indicator of customer satisfaction and is prominently displayed in search results and on Google Maps.
Written Reviews: Customers can write detailed reviews about their experiences. These reviews can provide specific feedback about what a business is doing well and areas where it might improve.
Photos: Users can upload photos related to their experience with the business. This can include pictures of products, the business location, or services provided.
Owner Responses: Business owners can respond to reviews. This allows businesses to thank customers for positive reviews or address any concerns raised in negative reviews.
Questions and Answers: A section where users can ask questions about the business and either the business owner or the public can answer. This feature helps provide more detailed information about the business and its services.
Popular Times/Visit Duration: Google tracks when a business tends to be busiest and the average duration of a visit. This information is derived from aggregated and anonymized data from users who have opted into Google Location History.
User Profile Information: The profiles of users who leave reviews are often visible, including their name and photo, which can lend credibility to their reviews.
Review Highlights: Google uses AI to analyze reviews and pull out commonly mentioned words or phrases, creating a quick snapshot of what customers frequently mention about a business.
Review Count: The total number of reviews a business has received. A higher number of reviews can increase the credibility of the average star rating.
Verification Status: Indicates whether a business has been verified by Google, which can lend credibility to the business listing and its reviews.

These Google Review sections collectively provide a comprehensive view of customer experiences and perceptions, enabling businesses to understand their performance in the eyes of their customers and giving potential customers valuable insights into what they might expect. Learn more about setting up a Google Profile here.

Google reviews are a key piece of growing your local business. According to a report from Moz.com, over 90% of customers search Google before making a decision.

How to Leave a Review on Google

One way you can leave Google Reviews is through Google Search. Here’s how to become a reviewer:

Open your internet browser. This is the primary step to access Google’s review platform.
Conduct a Search: Look for the local business on Google. Once located, click on the business’s profile to proceed.
Navigate to Reviews: In the business listing, locate the Reviews section.
Select “Write a review.” This action is essential to initiate your review entry.
Authenticate Your Identity: If not already signed in, a sign-in box will prompt you. It is mandatory to sign into your Google account to proceed with leaving a review.
Provide Your Rating and Experience: Post-authentication, you will have the option to assign a star rating to the company. You are also given the opportunity to detail your experiences with the business.
Finalize Your Review: After selecting a star rating, click ‘Post’ to submit your review. Note that providing a written description of your experience is optional but recommended for a thorough review.

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Google Business Reviews have emerged as a significant on a business’s search engine optimization (SEO).

Their role is particularly significant in the context of local SEO, which targets the enhancement of a website’s prominence in a specific geographic locality. This strategic focus allows businesses to effectively reach potential customers in their immediate vicinity.

1. Enhanced Search Engine Rankings: The algorithm employed by Google places a high premium on user-generated content, with customer reviews being a particularly valued form of such content. Businesses that accumulate a substantial number of positive reviews are more likely to achieve higher rankings in local search results. Consequently, when potential customers perform searches using relevant local keywords, businesses with positive reviews are more likely to appear prominently in the search results, thereby enhancing their visibility and increasing the likelihood of attracting new customers.

2. Improved Click-Through Rates: Online users generally place considerable trust in reviews from other customers. Positive reviews enhance the credibility of a business and serve as a potent influencing factor for potential customers. The presence of positive reviews is likely to lead to higher click-through rates, as users are more inclined to engage with a business listing that displays positive feedback, thereby driving more traffic to the business’s website.

3. Increased Conversion Rates: The presence of positive reviews can have a significant impact on the decision-making process of customers. When potential customers observe that others have had favorable experiences with a business, their trust in the business’s products or services is likely to increase. This heightened level of trust can lead to higher conversion rates, as customers become more disposed to making purchases or contacting the business for more information.

4. Enhanced Online Reputation: Effective online reputation management is crucial for any business in the digital age. Google Business Reviews offer customers a platform to share their experiences, which businesses can use to showcase their commitment to excellent customer service and quality offerings. Engaging actively with customers and responding to reviews, both positive and negative, not only helps in addressing any issues raised but also demonstrates the business’s dedication to customer satisfaction. A robust online reputation built in this manner can foster trust and loyalty among the target audience.

5. Higher Click-Through Rates for Local Map Pack: The Local Map Pack, a prominent feature in Google’s search results, displays businesses relevant to a user’s search query. Google Business Reviews are a critical factor in determining which businesses appear in this feature. A high number of positive reviews enhances the likelihood of a business being featured in the Local Map Pack, leading to increased visibility and higher click-through rates from potential customers.

In conclusion, the significance of Google Business Reviews in shaping a business’s SEO strategy and enhancing its online visibility cannot be overstated. By proactively encouraging customers to leave reviews, responding to feedback, and maintaining a high standard of customer service, businesses can significantly improve their online reputation, boost their search engine rankings, increase click-through rates, and ultimately drive more conversions. Embracing the power of Google Business Reviews is an essential step for any business aiming to excel in the digital landscape.

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The value of a local Google review for your business can be significant in several ways:

Local Search Ranking: 96% of People Read Reviews. Google reviews have a direct impact on local search rankings. A higher number of positive reviews can improve your business’s position in search engine results pages (SERPs). This is particularly crucial for local searches, where ranking in the top results can significantly increase visibility to potential local customers.
Keyword Content: Reviews often contain keywords relevant to your business. When customers describe your products or services, they inadvertently add to your business’s keyword density, making it more likely for your business to rank for those terms. This is especially beneficial for local SEO, as customers might use specific location-based terms in their reviews.
Google My Business Optimization: Reviews contribute to the optimization of your Google My Business profile, a critical tool for local SEO. A well-reviewed profile, complete with customer feedback and ratings, appears more authoritative and trustworthy to both Google’s algorithm and potential customers.
Influence on Map Searches: Positive reviews can influence your business’s ranking on Google Maps. High ratings can increase the chances of your business appearing in the coveted “local pack” – the top three business listings that appear in Google Maps results, which is prominently displayed for most local search queries. Well over half of consumers (56%) are turning to reviews on a daily (23%) or weekly (33%) basis. (see chart below)
Click-Through Rates (CTR): A business with a high star rating and numerous positive reviews is more likely to receive clicks when it appears in search results. Higher CTR not only drives more traffic to your website but also signals to Google that your business is relevant and valuable to users, further boosting your local SEO.
User-Generated Content and Freshness: Google values fresh, relevant content, and user-generated reviews are a form of content that keeps your online presence updated. Regular new reviews add to the “freshness” of your content, which is a factor in search rankings.
Local User Engagement: Positive reviews can encourage more local user engagement. As more local customers engage with your business online, it signals to Google the local relevance of your business, further improving your local SEO.
Building a Local Online Presence: Reviews contribute to building a strong local online presence. This presence is crucial for local SEO, as it helps Google understand that your business is a well-regarded, active member of the local business community.

Local Google reviews are a vital component of local SEO strategy. They not only improve your business’s visibility and credibility but also play a significant role in influencing Google’s search algorithm, especially for local searches. A strong focus on accumulating positive reviews can lead to better local search rankings, increased web traffic, and ultimately more business success.

The optimum goal for local businesses is to gain and maintain a body of reviews that is ready to serve the 96% of customers who are turning to them for information about the business before making a buying decision.

79% of consumers spend the most time reading Google-based reviews

It’s not a surprise that 79% of consumers spend the most time reading Google-based reviews. Google’s dominance as a search engine has given it a natural advantage as an already-familiar resource for reading reviews, enabling it to outpace even those platforms which were developed solely for publishing consumer sentiment.

In summary, local Google reviews are a powerful tool for improving visibility, building trust and credibility, engaging with customers, and driving business growth. They are an essential aspect of online reputation management and digital marketing strategies for businesses today.

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Keep your Google Business Page Active

An active Google Business Page is an asset for your local business.

Service-based businesses should regularly update their Google Business Pages with the following ranked in order of importance:

Having an active and optimized Google Business Profile is extremely important these days, as it has become the go-to resource for customers searching for local businesses.