Google Reviews – Why It Matters For Your Small Business?

For the success of every small business, online reviews are playing a pivotal role in today’s digital age. When people seek the services of a business they will look for that brand on Google first. For customers, Google has become a go-to source to assess the reputation of a particular brand. The understanding of the importance of Google reviews and their impact on business is very essential for small business owners.

Between a customer and a brand, Google is often the first point of contact. Business reviews and average ratings are the first things that appear when you search for a business on Google. A large number of reviews and a high rating can attract more customers to the business which makes it more visible. So it is significant for every small business to embed Google reviews on websites to showcase customer reviews. Follow this blog and know more about Google reviews and their importance for small businesses.

What Do You Understand By Google Reviews?

Google reviews are valuable feedback given by customers on the Google platform. Reviews are one of the best things that will appear when someone searches for a business on Google or looks for directions on Google Maps. In simple words, Google reviews permit any business to prove themselves to their customers.

Without having to download an app, people can go online and write their thoughts about the company or a brand. As a search engine, the popularity of Google is immense, and Google Maps also highlighted reviews that are more widely read by people. Google reviews serve as social proof and transparency for businesses and brands.

Why Do Google Reviews Matter For Business?

Getting Google reviews for businesses is very essential because it is the most trusted search engine. Customers pay attention to the reviews because they want detailed information about a business whom they trust. Businesses can display Google review widget on their website, which will help customers to make decisions after reading other customer reviews. There are many benefits of getting Google reviews which are mentioned below.

1. Influence Buying Decisions

Online Google reviews give a much-needed push to consumers from consideration to buying. Google reviews clear the doubt of customers and makes them think that they are making the right decision to buy that particular product or service. Positive reviews about a product give customers validation that they are looking for when they are making a buying decision. But if your business has more negative reviews or low star ratings then it makes customers move towards your competition.

2. Beneficial For Local Search Ranking

Your website will be ranked higher in search engine results if Google witnesses that you have good reviews. This is one of the biggest advantages of online Google reviews that proves your business is popular and provides a good experience to customers. Good reviews will improve your relevance because the algorithm of Google gives searchers the most relevant results. This will eventually improve your ranking. That’s how Google reviews make an impact on your business.

3. Improve Brand Trust

Google reviews are trusted more by the age group of 18 to 34 years old. They trust it as much as recommendations by family or friends. Authenticity, the right industry, and multiple reviews on the same site are some criteria that favored the trust of customers towards a brand. People give credibility and trust to Google reviews because Google is the most trusted and most used search engine in the world.

4. Star Rating

The star rating of your business will be based on the average rating that appears in your Google Business Profile under your company name. If the star rating of your profile has more numbers of 4 or 5 stars then more customers will be clicking on your business listing. If your business has a low star rating or below average stars then it will hurt your business listing.

How To Get More Google Reviews?

You know as a small business owner that online Google reviews can boost or hinder your brand. In general, Google reviews have a bigger impact on your business reputation and can impact your search engine rankings. But getting consumers to leave reviews can be a challenging task. Here are some methods to get Google reviews for your business.

1. Obtain Reviews From Customers

One of the simplest ways to get Google reviews is to obtain them from customers. Simply ask your customers to leave a Google review if they have bought your product or service. Because customers only write reviews when they had a negative experience. So, don’t miss out on the chance to ask them for writing a review when they buy something from your brand. You can do this by sending a mail or text or by simply attaching a link to your business profile.

To make it easier for customers, ask them for a review just after they buy something from you, don’t wait for weeks for this process to be done. If necessary, offer to supply a template for the review. But never buy reviews, keep this thing in mind.

2. Give Incentives

To motivate customers to leave reviews, giving incentives can be a good idea. On their next buy, you can offer them a free product, offer a discount, or a possibility to win a prize. But ensure your customers that these incentives are for leaving Google reviews not for leaving only positive reviews.

3. Sharing A Google Review Link

For customers to leave a Google review, make it easier by sending them a link to your Business Page. To leave a review, you can provide a QR code to the customers so they can scan it and give reviews. These easy ways will get you more Google reviews by customers.

How To Respond To Google Reviews?

Responding to Google reviews is a good idea whether they are positive or negative. Replying to the reviews will reflect that you value the feedback provided by the customers. This will show that you are responsive and engaged with your potential customers.

1. Replying To Positive Reviews

You can offer thanks to the customer for posting a positive review. It shows that you care what customers will think about your business.

2. Replying To Negative Reviews

Responding to a negative review politely and defensively is a good way. This will demonstrate that you are willing to resolve the issue and will work to make things right.

Over To You

Google reviews matter to your business as they give credibility, social proof, increase click-through rates, and help in improving rankings. You can motivate more customers to leave reviews by asking them, offering incentives, following up, and responding to reviews. By doing this, you can attract more customers and build an online reputation for your small business.