46% of Google searches are for local businesses or services. 76% of people who search for “near me” on a smartphone visit a business within a day, and 88% visit a related store within a week.
These statistics clearly show how important Local SEO is for your business and help them increase their local visibility. However, if you want to increase your growth by 3x, you should buy Google reviews to boost your online visibility.
However, is this the only way to get 5-star ratings from local searches? No! In this blog, we will tell you how local SEO with its step-by-step guide will leveraging Google reviews for Local SEO.
Understanding Local SEO
Optimizing your online presence to increase visibility for geographically related searches is Local SEO (search engine optimization). If your business is one of those that serve specific locations like a restaurant or a service provider, local SEO is very important for you.
Local SEO helps in making sure that your business appears in local search results. When users in that area search for products or services related to your product your services, your name appears on Google’s search results page.
Your proximity to the person putting in the search query and your information on Google can also impact your rankings on the search results page.
Strong Local SEO will provide you with foot traffic that will help you increase online queries for your business on Google.
Step By Step Guide To Leverage Google Reviews For Local SEO
Follow this step-by-step guide and leverage Google reviews for Local SEO:
- Step 1: Claim And Optimize Your GMB Listing
Google needs to know about your business to rank it on its search results page. If Google doesn’t have enough information about your business, you will not be able to leverage Google reviews for Local SEO.
To make it happen, claim your Google My Business (GMB) listing. Make sure that all your business information i.e. name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation are mentioned accurately.
Add high-quality photos of your product or services. Make use of features like Q&A and posts to keep your listings active.
- Step 2: Create And Implement A System For Soliciting Reviews
Design a structured process to ask customers to leave reviews. Make it as easy as possible for them so that you are able to get maximum reviews from your customers.
You can do so by providing them direct links or QR codes in your follow-up emails, receipts, or on your website.
Provide training to your staff so that they can encourage customers to leave reviews for you on Google in a way that doesn’t seem too pushy. When you consistently solicit reviews from customers, it builds a steady flow of feedback.
- Step 3: Be Quick In Your Responses To All The Reviews
Be prompt in your response to each and every review- be it positive or negative. This is your chance to show your existing and potential customers that you value their input and feedback.
In your response to positive reviews, express gratitude and appreciation with an invitation to use your product or services again in the future. In case of negative reviews, maintain a calm and professional tone in your responses.
Address the concerns of your customers with solutions to their problems. Timely responses will contribute to your local SEO.
- Step 4: Address Negative Reviews Constructively And Professionally
It is easy to get carried away when you receive a negative review with harsh or rash language on your page. It is important for you to maintain your calm and composure in this situation.
Do not take it personally. Instead,, view it as an opportunity to improve your product or services. Keep your tone professional when crafting your response to a negative review.
Apologize if you are at fault and try your best to offer a solution to the problem mentioned in the review. If handled nicely, you can convert your negative reviewer to your cheerleader with your business ethics.
- Step 5: Highlight Positive Reviews
It’s okay to blow your own trumpet in a way that is not overdone. If you won’t market yourself, then how can you expect your customers to vouch for you? You don’t have to become a self-obsessed brand but you need to be a self-loving brand.
Leave no chance to showcase glowing reviews on your website and social media. It is a great way to build credibility and enhance your online presence.
Highlighting positive reviews will enhance your local rankings by letting Google know that customers are engaging with your business.
- Step 6: Keep A Regular Check On Your Reviews
You know, monitoring your Google reviews is extremely important if you want to improve your local search rankings over time. Regularly checking your reviews helps you stay on top of customer feedback and respond promptly to it.
It also helps you identify patterns (good and bad) in customer experiences and gives you a chance to improve and tailor your services accordingly. Use tools or set reminders to track new reviews. It helps you keep a check on customer satisfaction.
- Step 7: Increase The Number Of Reviews For Improved Local SEO
To boost your local SEO, it is important to consistently generate reviews for your business online. More reviews are a signal to Google that your business is active and is being trusted by consumers.
Ask your satisfied customers for reviews through e-mails, texts, and in person. The more reviews you receive, the more data Google can use to rank your business in local search results.
Conclusion: Start Leveraging Google Reviews For Local SEO Success!
Now that you have his step-by-step guide, it’s time to start leveraging Google reviews to enhance the local SEO for your business. If you follow these steps wholeheartedly, your rankings will improve in local search results.
Plus, if you need further assistance navigating this process, contact BuyReviewz to help you leverage your local SEO and upgrade your ranking.
