Google Business Reviews And Conversions On Maps
UPDATE : This is very much relevant now for 2023
I’ll get straight to the point – just because you rank in position 1 in Google Maps for your particular industry and area, e.g. “plumber croydon”, doesn’t mean that you will get phone calls! This is because conversions on Google Maps has partly to do with the type of business you are in, but more importantly, how MANY star ratings or reviews you have and how good they are.
Ranking in Google Maps (The 3 Pack)
Google has shifted its algorithm. Previously it did not matter whether you had any reviews or not, Google would rank you in Maps (Google Business Profile). But what I am now seeing is a shift towards businesses that rank in the “3 Pack” having reviews, or at least two of them having reviews. However, there are always exceptions to his.
Importance of Google Reviews
Reviews are so important. We all do it, whether we are looking to buy a new TV, book a holiday, go to a restaurant, we look for reviews before making a buying decision. Why do review sites, such as Yelp or Trip Advisor do so well? The answer is simple, it’s because everyone has moved towards mobile devices and reviews. There is no other way to say it, reviews are so important.
In order to offer a better user experience, reviews are essential.
Let me ask you a simple question:
You are looking for a plumber in your area, lets say Croydon. So you do a search in Google “plumber croydon”. You get these results:
- One with two star reviews
- One with a number of 5 star reviews
- One with no stars
As below…
Who are you most likely going to contact first?
That’s right, like most people, including myself, the plumber with 5 star reviews.
Why Are Google Reviews So Important For Local Businesses?
The quality and quantity of reviews on Google Maps is one of the most important ranking factors for local SEO. And, when a person scans the search results for a local product or service in Google, the business listings that include customer reviews presents a greater credibility and, naturally, receive more clicks – providing the reviews are good of course!
Google has decided that it is a better user experience to show results with reviews than not. So, why would Google place a business in the “3 Pack” – Google Maps, which is prime real estate for a business to be? Would it be good user experience if Google displayed local businesses with no reviews? Definitely not! Especially when the majority of the world has moved to a review based society, where we look at reviews for everything.
So, Google is generally rewarding businesses that have more reviews, not always however. It is not necessarily the number of reviews, it is that you have some reviews. Businesses with 43 reviews do not out rank a business with 21 reviews, not yet anyway.
Build Your Reviews With Reputation Management Software
At this point in time, getting into Google Maps 3 Pack includes having reviews. As a business owner, you should be getting reviews from your customers and clients, and you should be controlling the reviews process anyway. You do have a review process don’t you?
You should be consistently asking for reviews from you customers, making sure you are sending the request out to people you know who will give you a good review and not a bad review. Alternatively automate this process by using our Online Reputation Software – click here to learn more.
Yet, there are many myths associated with local SEO, you can check them out by following the link.
More Articles about Reputation Management & Marketing
- Reputation Marketing is The New Currency Of Trust : Rachel Botsman
- 3 Tips How To Protect Your Online Reputation
- Online Reputation Tips : How To Gain the Competitive Advantage with Customer Reviews
- Online Reputation Management Tips : Top 5 Online Review Sites You Should Know About
- Online Reputation Management Tips : Why Excellent Customer Service is Key for Positive Reviews
- How To Get More Reviews
- Why Local Businesses Need Reviews
- Consumers now pay more attention to online reviews than word-of-mouth
- When should you remove bad reviews
Do You Need Help To Rank in Goolge Maps or Get Customer Reviews?
If you are struggling to get your local business listed in Google Maps or haven’t the the time to get customer reviews and feedback, we at Blue Square Management can help, so call us today on +44(0) 1689 602 248 or email us.
Local SEO & Online Reputation Management
Blue Square Management
9 Grange Road
Orpington
Kent
BR6 8ED
UK
W: http://bluesquaremanagement.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BlueSquareManagement
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlueSquareSEO
