Let’s face it, Google has taken over in almost all aspects of internet searching. On average, Google processes 40,000 searches every second. Everyone uses Google, and with great reason.

Google provides people with everything that they need to know, and this especially applies to people searching for information about local businesses. This could be a search for the best restaurant in the area, the top local orthodontist, or the closest mechanic shop within 10 miles. Whatever type of business a consumer is seeking out, Google will find information on it – including reviews for those businesses.

Google reviews have become very important for both consumers and businesses. Consumers trust reviews as much as personal recommendations and they are willing to travel a little further to visit the business with the best reputation. Google knows how important local reviews are for local customers which is why the reviews come up as soon as a local search is made. How convenient, right?!

So, for business owners who are curious about Google Reviews, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we outline some common FAQ’s – It’s time that you get your business booming, and with our Google Review Services for local businesses, we’re confident that we can help you build and maintain an excellent online reputation in Google.

Common FAQ’s About Google Reviews

1. What is a Google Review?

A Google review is an integrated feature on Google Maps that allows customers to post a review publicly for a business on Google. This review will likely outline the customer’s experience and the satisfaction with the services or products that the business offers.

2. How do Google Reviews work?

Customers must have a Google account in order to post a Google Review about each business. Each customer will fill out some general information regarding the products, services, or experience that they had.

A good review will increase traffic to the business while also improving rankings. Having good reviews will also notify Google that the business is thriving. But, a bad review allows the business owner to respond to the review and clarify what the issue or poor review was about.

3. Should I Respond to my Business’s Google Reviews?

A Harvard Business Review study found that when a business responds to both good and bad reviews, ratings, in general, increased. With that being said, responding to customer’s reviews on Google will only do your business good.

When customers are looking through reviews, and they see that the business has responded to past reviews, it will let the potential customer know that the business is run by personable members who care about their online reputation and the opinions of their customers.

4. How Should I Handle Bad Reviews on Google?

Negative Google Reviews can be disappointing but it comes with the territory of having a business. No business is perfect and most consumers understand this.

If your business knows the individual who left the poor review, it’s always a good idea to reach out to them directly to address their concerns. Otherwise, a good way to handle a bad review on Google is to respond in an appropriate way. Be respectful, apologize if necessary, address the concern, and let them (and future customers that will read the review) know that you understand their complaints and you’re working to improve it.

People that leave bad reviews really just want your attention and to be heard. Fulfill that need and it will do wonders for your online reputation.

5. How Many Google Reviews Does my Business Need?

While there isn’t a set number of reviews necessary, it is helpful to have at least 5 reviews and to make sure you’re consistently getting reviews.

A recent study found that the “recency of reviews” matter as much to local consumers as the overall grade. In fact, 85% of consumers actually disregard reviews that are older than 3 months. So, your business should focus on always getting new reviews, rather than focusing on a final number.

6. How Many Google Reviews to Get Gold Stars?

In order for a gold Google Star Rating to show up in local searches, it is necessary to have at least 5 Google Reviews. Once a business has 5 Google Reviews, they will have their own unique star rating based on their reviews.

This looks great for businesses with 5 good reviews as they will look like a 5-star business. However, a business with 2 bad reviews and 3 good reviews will show the aggregate of those rating – a less than stellar rating that really pops to searchers once the gold star ratings show up.

7. Do Google Reviews Actually Help my Business?

In short, yes. Because so many people frequent Google each day, having reviews will show each potential customer (who is searching) that the business is in good standing, which then increases the likelihood that they will visit the business.

Reviews are a small ranking signal but a signal nonetheless. A larger ranking signal is click-through-rate, meaning the number of people that see your business in Google searches and select/click on it. Great reviews increase click-through-rates, thus increasing your rankings which is great for your business.

Our Reputation Marketing Services

When people are searching on Google for a local business, they are more inclined to visit the ones that have recent Google Reviews. RepStrategies helps local businesses gain more attention and traffic through the use of reputation growth strategies.