Have you ever left a review on Google for a small business? If so, you were doing more for that business than you might think! It might not seem like a big deal, but when you leave a Google review for a business, you are helping them rank higher in Google organically. If you are a small business, here are four reasons why you should be making getting Google reviews a priority.

1. Reviews Help with your Search Engine Optimization

Google tracks how many ratings a business has. If you have a large number of high ratings, Google will push you higher up in searches. It might even put you into the Google Local Pack. The Google Local Pack is the top 3 businesses that appear locally in a search. It will list companies and point them out on a map at the top of the SERP (Search Engine Results Page). If you are trying to get your small business to show up locally in searches, encourage your customers to leave Google Reviews.

2. Google Reviews can help bring in new clients.

Consumers have been researching companies online for years, and Google Reviews is one of the most trusted sources for reviews. Positive reviews make a customer more likely to do business with companies. Research has shown that over 80% of people trust online reviews like they trust personal recommendations. Excellent Google Reviews is a great way to get more customers in your door.

3. Google Reviews allow you to interact with your customers.

If someone leaves you a Google Review for your small business, do something with it. Interact with it! Companies can add a comment on any Google Review that is left on their Google Business Profile. Thank your customers when they leave you a good review. If you happen to get a bad review, leave a comment acknowledging you saw it and take the conversation offline. When other customers know that you, as a small business owner, acknowledge a bad review, they tend to have more respect for that business. Responding to reviews will also help with your SEO. If possible, add some keywords to your comment to help with your search engine optimization!

4. It can increase website visits.

If your small business is getting Google Reviews and other people are seeing them, they will most likely want to check out what the company is all about! Next stop, your website! Google reviews help people become more aware of the product or service they sell.

Sometimes it can be hard to get reviews from your customers, but it should be a vital part of your marketing plan. Google is the king of the online world; therefore, being active on your small businesses’ Google Business Profile is essential.

Need help managing your Google Business Profile (formally Google My Business)? Small businesses should be active weekly on their profiles. We can help! Reach out to Your Media Squad for a free consultation!

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