How Google Reviews Help With SEO: An Introductory Guide

Do You Need a Google Business Profile?

Google reviews do help SEO as positive reviews tell Google that customers are having positive experiences with your business. Creating a Google Business Profile gives your company a home on Google and a place for customers to write reviews. No matter if you have a local business or an online service, creating a Google Business Profile is important for your SEO. Service-based business owners often miss this step. Most of your customers are already searching for products and services like yours there.

You Don’t Need a Physical Location to Benefit

Even if you don’t have a traditional brick-and-mortar location, you can (and should) set up a Google Business Profile. Google allows businesses without a physical address to specify a service area, so you still appear in relevant local searches. This means remote businesses, freelancers, and online service providers can all leverage the power of Google reviews to boost their visibility and credibility.

How Google Reviews Help With SEO

1. Enhanced Search Visibility and Rankings

Google reviews are a direct ranking factor for local SEO. As your company gets positive reviews, it boosts the chances of Google showing your profile. The number, quality, and recency of these reviews send important messages to Google about your business’s trustworthiness and importance.

2. Building Trust and Credibility

Potential customers trust social proof. Positive Google reviews not only encourage people to choose your business but also signal to Google that your business is reputable. This trust can lead to higher click-through rates (CTR) from search results, which is another positive ranking factor.

3. Keyword Relevance Through User Content

When customers write reviews, they often mention your services, products, and location using natural language. These “user-generated keywords” help Google understand what your business offers and match your profile to more relevant search queries. Encouraging customers to mention specific services or products in their reviews can further improve your SEO performance.

4. Fresh Content Signals

Google values fresh, regularly updated content. Every new online review adds current content to your business profile, showing Google (and potential customers) that your business is active and engaged.

5. Engagement and Responsiveness

Responding to Google reviews, whether good or bad, shows that you care about customer feedback. It also shows you are managing your online presence. This engagement shows Google that your business is trustworthy and attentive, which can help improve your rankings.

Practical Tips for Leveraging Google Reviews

• Claim and verify your Google Business Profile. This profile is the foundation for collecting reviews and showcasing your business.
• Ask every customer for a review. Don’t be shy—most people are happy to help if you make it easy. When requesting a review, you may consider asking targeted questions to get them thinking on what to write. 
• Encourage the use of relevant keywords. Gently suggest that customers mention the service or product they received.
• Respond quickly and professionally. Show appreciation for positive feedback and address concerns in negative reviews.
• Keep reviews coming. Fresh reviews are more valuable, so make review requests a regular part of your business process.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile

Setting up a Google Business Profile is straightforward and essential for both physical and remote businesses. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get started and make your business discoverable on Google Search and Maps.

Step 1: Search for Your Business Name

• Start typing your business name into Google search. If a profile like this appears on the righthand side, you may already have a listing—select it to claim or manage. If not, follow the next steps.

Step 2: Create or Log In to Your Google Business Profile

• Visit google.com/business to create or login to your profile. When creating a new account, it’s best to use a business email so you can easily share access with team members in the future.

Step 3: Go to the Google Business Profile Manager

• Visit google.com/business and click “Manage now.” This is your dashboard for creating and managing your business profile.

Step 4: Enter Your Business Name and Category

• Enter your business name using Title Case (capitalize each word). Then, select the category that best describes your business—this helps Google show your business in relevant searches.

Step 5: Choose Your Business Type and Location

• Indicate if you have a physical location customers can visit. If yes, enter your address. If not, select “No” and specify your service area (city, region, or zip codes). This is important for remote or service-based businesses.

Step 6: Add Contact Information

• Enter your business phone number and website URL. This makes it easy for customers to contact you and for Google to track engagement.

Step 7: Verify Your Business

Google will ask you to verify your business. Common methods include:

• Postcard: Google mails a postcard with a verification code to your business address. Once you receive the postcard, you will login to your account to enter the verification code on the postcard you received.
• Phone: Receive a code via call or text.
• Email, Video Recording, or Live Video Call: Other options may be available depending on your business type and region.

Step 8: Complete Your Profile

• Add business hours, a description, photos, and any other relevant details. The more complete your profile, the more attractive it is to both Google and potential customers.

Step 9: Optimize and Maintain Your Listing

• After setup, regularly update your profile with new photos, posts, and responses to reviews. This keeps your business active in Google’s eyes and improves your SEO over time.

Pro Tips:

• Consistency is key: Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all online platforms.
• Use high-quality photos and encourage customers to leave reviews mentioning your key services or products for better SEO rankings.
• Don’t forget to check your profile regularly and respond to customer reviews to boost engagement and trust.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure your business is visible, credible, and ready to attract new customers through Google Search and Maps—no matter where or how you operate.

Conclusion

Google reviews are a powerful, free tool that can dramatically improve your business’s SEO strategy, visibility, and credibility. No matter if you have a physical store or a remote business, making a Google Business Profile is important. Actively asking for reviews and responding to them helps your business stand out in search results and can attract more customers.

If you haven’t set up your Google Business Profile yet, make it your next step. Your future customers—and Google—are waiting!