Why do reviews matter for local search?

Google says more reviews and positive ratings can help your local ranking, and responding to reviews helps you stand out. Reviews also help customers decide.

Reviews are one of the few local ranking factors Google names directly. Google says local results depend on relevance, distance and prominence, and that prominence includes how many reviews you have and your ratings. It also recommends responding to reviews. Beyond rankings, reviews are often what convinces a customer to call you instead of the business next door.

How reviews help

Ranking: Google states more reviews and positive ratings can help a business's local ranking.
Trust: customers read recent reviews to decide.
Words: reviews often mention specific services and towns, which shows what you are known for.

How to earn more reviews honestly

Ask every happy customer, at the moment they are happiest, such as right after the job is done.
Send a direct review link or a QR code on a card or receipt.
Reply to every review, good and bad, politely and without sharing private details.
Keep asking over time. A steady flow of recent reviews looks more trustworthy than a burst from one month.

What not to do

Do not buy reviews or write fake ones. That breaks Google's policies and can get reviews removed or your profile restricted.
Do not offer rewards for reviews. Google strictly prohibits incentives such as free or discounted goods or services in exchange for a review.
Ask everyone, not only the customers you expect to be happy. Google notes a mix of positive and negative feedback often feels more trustworthy.
Do not argue in replies. Other customers read them.

We can help. If we manage your Business Profile, review requests and replies may already be part of your work with us. Open a request in your client portal to ask.

Common problems

If you get an unfair or fake review, you can report it to Google from your Business Profile. Removal is Google's decision and is not guaranteed.
If reviews disappear, Google's filters sometimes remove reviews they think break policy, such as several reviews from one location.
If customers say they cannot leave a review, they need to be signed in to a Google account.

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