How can online reviews influence your local search rankings?
Online views have become an important part of your brand reputation and success, especially when it comes to local search engine optimisation (SEO). When a potential customers searches for products or services in their local area, online reviews can play a vital role in helping them make an informed decision.
Online reviews can influence your local search ranking in a number of ways, including:
Online reviews are social proof, helping you establish trust with your audience. Businesses that receive a higher volume of positive reviews are seen as credible, which improves click through rates in search results. Google sees credibility, ranking these businesses higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). As a result, online reviews can positively impact your local search ranking.
You may not realise this, but online reviews often contain relevant keywords that relate to your products, services, or business. When customers mention these terms in their reviews, it shows search engines your business is relevant for those keywords, helping to improve your ranking in local results.
Google, along with other search engines, take user engagement into consideration when determining your ranking . When you respond to reviews in a timely manner, whether they are negative to positive, it shows your business values what your customers have to say, helping to boost engagement and increase your local search rankings.
The number of reviews you receive, along with their quality all play a role in your local search rankings. If you have a high volume of positive reviews, you can expect to see improvements in your local rankings, while negative reviews has the opposite effective. Google favours businesses that have a large number of positive reviews in local search results.
Reviews are very important when it comes to the optimisation of your Google My Business profile. The more reviews you have, the better your profile performance in local search rankings.
We have put together some valuable tips for you to encourage your customers to leave online reviews to assist with your local search ranking:
Online reviews are a powerful element when it comes to improving your local search ranking. It helps to boost your visibility to your local audience. When you prioritise online reviews you improve trust and credibility for your brand, increasing your ranking in local search results, driving organic traffic to your website and store. Do you need help with your online reviews to influence your local search rankings? Complete our online form for a free audit and proposal today.
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