Reviews, included
Why reviews matter to Google.
Google says local results are based mainly on relevance, distance and prominence, and that your review count and rating count toward prominence. Local search specialists track four things about reviews, and so do we.
QuantityHow many reviews you have.
QualityYour average star rating.
RecencyNew reviews coming in now, not a burst from two years ago.
Steady paceReviews at a natural rate. Sudden spikes look suspicious.
Source: Google Business Profile Help, how Google determines local ranking. Google does not publish an exact formula.
Ask every customer, right away
By text, email or QR code right after the job or visit, with your direct review link so nobody has to search for you.
Reply to every review, promptly
Positive and negative, in public. For a complaint we stay calm, say we want to make it right, and move the conversation offline.
Handle fake reviews the right way
If the reviewer was never your customer, we say politely that we have no record of the visit and ask for details. Spam and abuse get reported through your profile.
Stay inside Google’s review policies
No screening out unhappy customers and no discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews. Both break Google’s rules.
What a good reply looks like.
Example only. The business, the reviewer and the review are made up.
Dana R. · Example Home Services★★★★★
Technician was friendly but he showed up two hours after the window and nobody called to tell me. Work was fine, but I had to take half a day off.
Common replyThank you for your feedback. We value all of our customers and strive to provide the best service. Please contact us if you have any other concerns.
Our replyDana, you should have gotten a call the moment we knew we were running late, and you did not. That is on us, and I am sorry you lost half a day. Please call the office and ask for the owner, and we will work out a credit on your next visit.