Your company’s online reputation critical to your success. One platform that plays a special role in this is
Google My Business
. In particular, customer reviews on Google My Business can have a significant impact on your visibility and credibility. But why are these ratings so important and how can you make the most of them? Let’s take a closer look.
The power of customer reviews
Customer reviews are a crucial factor when potential customers make a purchasing decision. They serve as a form of social proof, showing that other people have already tried your product or service and found it to be good.
According to a study by BrightLocal, 91% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. This makes reviews an indispensable part of your online presence.
Reviews and local SEO
Google My Business reviews also contribute significantly to your local search engine optimization (SEO). Google takes into account the number and quality of your reviews when determining your placement in local search results.
Companies with many positive reviews are often ranked higher than those with fewer or negative reviews. That’s why it’s important to actively ask your customers for reviews and respond to them.
How to deal with ratings
Positive feedback is of course always welcome. However, it is worthwhile to respond to negative reviews as well. By responding to criticism and offering solutions, you demonstrate customer service and problem-solving skills. This can show other customers that you care about their satisfaction and will act responsibly if problems arise.
Conclusion
So, customer reviews in Google My Business are a powerful tool that you can use both to improve your online reputation and to increase your visibility in local search results.
By pursuing an active valuation strategy, you can realize the full potential of this feature and drive your business to success.