Remember the last time you picked a new business without checking its reviews? Neither do your customers.

Google ratings and reviews make it easy for people to share feedback about your business. And we mean any business. Great feedback means more customers see you’re running a 5-star spot. That leads more patrons to your door. 

With Google dominating online searches, your Google reviews matter the most for your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. In this guide, you’ll learn how Google ratings and reviews work. You’ll also learn why they matter for your business and the best ways to boost your online reputation.

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What Are Business Ratings on Google?

Business ratings on Google let customers quickly share what they think about your company. When someone rates your company, they pick from one to five stars. Five-star reviews mean they loved the experience. One star means they were less than impressed (to put it lightly). Your average rating shows up next to your business name.

You’ll spot Google ratings all over the place. But the most impactful are results for local searches and reviews on the Google Maps app.

You’ll need to set up and verify your Google Business Profile to collect reviews on Google. That means proving you own your business and following Google’s rules about asking for reviews. For example, you can’t offer rewards for ratings.

What Are Google Reviews for Businesses?

While star ratings let customers give your business a quick grade, Google reviews tell a bigger story. They give customers space to share details about their experience and explain why they gave a certain rating. These reviews stick around permanently unless the reviewer deletes them or they break Google’s rules.

A Google review has a few different parts:

• It shows the rating together with written customer feedback
• Customers can add photos if they want
• Every review displays the reviewer’s Google account name and when it was posted

As a business owner, you can respond to Google reviews and flag ones that violate Google’s policies. For example, you might spot fake reviews now and then. If you do, report them, and Google may delete them after investigation.

But you can’t edit or delete Google reviews yourself, even if you don’t like what they say. You also can’t turn off reviews or post anonymous feedback about your own company. The platform makes sure that customers can share their experience, whether it was good or bad.

Why Do Positive Reviews on Google Matter?

Google reviews are great for gathering customer feedback, but that’s not all they do. They also make your Google Business Profile appear higher in the rankings for local searches and on the Google Maps app.

It’s like getting free advertising but from regular patrons instead of a marketing agency. Many customers trust reviews from verified Google accounts because they come from real people. That means they’re less likely to be biased.

Great Google ratings and reviews also make it more likely that you’ll appear in Google’s local pack. These are the grouped business listings users see at the top of the results when they go to Google and search for something like “accountants near me.”

On the flip side, negative Google ratings and reviews hurt your online reputation. And they might be more impactful than you think. If a Google Business has an average rating below three stars, 71% of consumers won’t give it a second look.

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How Does the Google Business Reviews Algorithm Work?

Not all Google reviews carry the same weight. Google also takes the authenticity of reviews very seriously. Here’s how the Google review algorithm decides which reviews get amplified, which stay under the radar, and which get flagged as suspicious:

Quality and Trust Signals

Quality and authenticity are key. The Google review algorithm checks reviews for signs that they’re real, trustworthy, and relevant. It hunts down fake reviews by looking for manipulative or spammy patterns.

Review Length and Detail

Google reviews that say more mean more. Longer reviews with lots of details rank higher than comments quickly fired off. When customers take time to explain their experience, the Google review algorithm sees it as more helpful and relevant to others.

Keywords and Specifics

Keywords in reviews make your business listing show up in searches. The most helpful reviews include keywords related to:

• The specific products or services used
• The customer service experience
• Location details, like your city or neighborhood
• The industry your business is in

Visual Content

Photos make reviews more powerful. The algorithm gives more weight to Google reviews with images because they’re more relevant than others. Photos that show the inside of your business or products in use help increase relevancy. They also prove the review is real and give customers a better idea of what to expect when they go to Google to search for local businesses.

Freshness and Engagement

Recent feedback carries more weight than outdated reviews. The Google review algorithm likes to see a steady stream of new reviews on your business profile. It also pays attention to how you handle responses. Quick, helpful replies show that you take customer feedback seriously.

This is one area where having a few negative reviews can actually be beneficial. A mix of positive and negative reviews with professional responses looks more realistic than one five-star rating after another. That said, an overall trend of consistency is important, too.

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3 Tips for Building an Online Reputation With Google Ratings and Reviews

Getting good reviews doesn’t happen by chance. Here are some ways to keep your Google reviews going strong:

Make It Easy

Set up a link on your website and social media that takes customers straight to your Google review page. You can generate it through your Google Business Profile. 

The link will be long, so embed it in a call to action like “Give us your feedback” or use a link-shortening service to make it easier to share.

If you have the space, explain that leaving reviews on Google only takes a minute. The easier you make it, the more likely customers are to follow through. Remember to thank people in advance for their time too.

Make It Work on Mobile Devices

Most people leave reviews on Google on their phones, so test your review link on mobile devices to make sure it works smoothly. Consider using QR codes customers can scan quickly to speed up the process.

Time It

Reach out and ask for Google reviews when customers are most likely to give them. Right after a great service experience or successful purchase is perfect. Frame your request as a favor that helps other shoppers make good choices.

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