Google reviews are a free and easy way to increase brand awareness, customer trust and search engine visibility.
In 2016 a BrightLocal survey showed that:
- 91% of consumers regularly or occasionally read online reviews
- 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation
- 74% of consumers say that positive reviews make them trust a local business more
The (hopefully) positive reviews will act as social proof of the good service you provide. It’s like that most of yoru customers willsee your business for the first time on Google, so having positive reviews will improve your changes of getting consumers through to your site.
Another advntage of Google reviews is they improve your rank in search result pages. Google doesn’t share it’s algorithm, but it’s generally accepted that reviews show that you are an active business and play an important role in determining your website’s position, especially in local searches.
How to leave a Google Review
There are two ways businesses can receive a review that displays on Google. Users can either leave a review in the search engine results page, or in Google Maps.
If you don’t have one already, you will be required to create a Google account so that you can leave reviews. The account can be Gmail or non-Gmail.
There are two ways businesses can receive a review that shows up on Google. Users can either leave a review in the search engine results page, or in Google Maps.
Search Engine Results Page
1. Search for the name of the company you want to review in Google
2. On the right-hand side of the screenshot below, you will see the Knowledge Panel containing information about the business
3. In the Knowledge Panel, there is a reviews section. Click on the “Write a review” button and leave your feedback
Google Maps
1. Access Google Maps and search for the business you want to review
2. On the left-hand side, you will see the Knowledge Panel with information about the business
3. In the Knowledge Panel, there is a reviews section. Click on the “Write a review” button and leave your feedback
