How Online Reviews from Google Can Help Your Local Business Rank Higher in the Search Engines and Attract More Local Customers

Trying to run a business these days can feel like trying to stand out in a huge crowd. With consumers having so many choices and being bombarded by ads popping up everywhere, many businesses are now finding it harder and harder to compete. From the minute they wake up to the second they fall asleep the Nielsen Company estimates consumers now see over 5,000 ads per day and maybe as much as 10,000!

And because of all the ads, it's now getting harder for businesses to catch consumer's eyes as most people have developed banner blindness. And because of this, people are getting really good at ignoring those ads, making it even hard for businesses to reach them.

But guess what? There is a way to stand out from the competitors using Google reviews from your customers. They literally can give you a competitive advantage like a golden ticket to help you get noticed.

Why Google Reviews Rule Over Yelp?

You know when you search for something online, like the best pizza joint nearby? Those reviews that pop up with the business info? That's Google reviews doing their magic. They make it easier for folks to call or visit your business.

Why Are Reviews So Awesome?

1. They make your business look super trustworthy. Think of it as a thumbs-up from a friend.
2. They show off how cool your business is, pulling in new customers.
3. Google loves them! Good reviews can boost your ranking in search results, making it easier for people to find you.
4. Having multiple five star reviews also helps consumers more likely to click you paid ads with Pay Per Click (PPC). People are more likely to click on an ad for a business with great reviews.

How to Get More Reviews

Here are some tips to getting more online reviews for your business:

1. Ask nicely! When chatting with customers, just ask them to drop a review. Many people love to help businesses reach more people, especially if they had a good experience.
2. Get your team excited about getting awesome reviews. Make it a fun challenge with contests for who can get the most reviews.
3. Stick a review link in your emails and on your website. Make it super easy for people to leave you a review.

What to Do with Those Reviews

So, you've got reviews. What's next?

1. Show them off on your website! Put them where people can see them right away.
2. Use them in your advertisements. It's like showing off your gold stars to everyone.

Google reviews are like your business's best friend. They help you stand out amongst your competition and help you bring in more customers. Plus, they are a great way to see what's working and what could use a little change to help your business run smoother. So, with the new year coming, be sure to make it part of your sales process to get those reviews rolling and watch your business shine!

What to Do When You Get New Reviews

Once you get a review from a customer, be sure to respond to the reviews in a timely fashion. Consumers not only like to see a response from their reviews, but also expect a response. Replying to your reviews helps consumers feel heard and help you rank higher in Google because it shows Google your profile is active. The more active your profile, the better it is, so be sure to reply to all of your reviews.

What to Do Next

If you want more reviews for your business, be sure to visit Trackable Results.