Today we’re talking about Google Reviews. You’ve probably read one while standing in a parking lot, trying to decide if that taco place with 4.3 stars is worth the risk. (Spoiler: it usually is.) But from a business perspective, these reviews pack way more punch than you might think.
Let’s break down how they work, why they matter, and how to actually make them work for you, without crossing into shady territory.
So, what exactly are Google Reviews?
They’re public comments left by customers on your Google Business Profile. Anyone with a Google account can leave one. That includes your biggest fans, your loudest critics, and the guy who thought your café was “too bright” at 7 a.m. (Yes, that’s a real review I saw once.)
Each review includes a star rating from 1 to 5, and often a bit of written feedback. Sometimes people add photos or videos too, especially if they’re really happy, or really annoyed. These reviews show up on Google Search and Google Maps, making them one of the first things people see when they search for your business.
Here’s how they show up.
When someone Googles your business, your profile appears with your average star rating, snippets of recent reviews, and a little button that says “Write a Review.” It’s all tied to your Google Business Profile, which used to be called Google My Business, back when Google still believed in consistent branding.
And yes, you can respond to reviews directly from your profile; which you absolutely should. More on that in a second.
Why do these reviews matter so much?
Let’s start with the obvious: people read them. A lot of people.
According to BrightLocal’s 2023 survey, 87 percent of consumers read online reviews for local businesses. And 76 percent of them trust those reviews as much as a personal recommendation. That’s wild, right? Strangers on the internet now have the same influence as your best friend or your mom.
But there’s more to it than trust. Google Reviews also affect your visibility. Google has said, straight from the source, that “high-quality, positive reviews from your customers can improve your business visibility.” That means more reviews can help you show up higher in local search results and in the Maps 3-pack, that little box of businesses that shows up when someone searches for something nearby.
Social proof isn’t just a buzzword.
There’s a reason people scan reviews before clicking. It’s called social proof. Basically, we like to see what others think before we commit. A business with a bunch of glowing reviews feels safer, more legit—like it’s been tested by the crowd.
And when people feel confident, they’re more likely to click, more likely to buy, more likely to come back.
Also, it’s free feedback.
Think of reviews as a never-ending customer satisfaction survey you didn’t have to send out. Sure, some of it might be petty or vague. But often, reviews highlight real issues, like slow service, confusing hours, or a weird smell in the lobby, that you can actually fix.
And when you do fix them, you can respond, thank the reviewer, and show the world you’re paying attention. That’s public accountability; and it builds trust.
Okay, so how do you actually get more reviews?
Step one: claim and verify your Google Business Profile. If you haven’t done that yet, stop reading and go do it. It lets you manage how your business appears in Search and Maps, and it gives you the power to respond to reviews.
Step two: ask for them. Politely. Ethically. Ask your happy customers to leave a review after a good experience. You can do this via email, text, or even in person. Just don’t offer discounts or freebies in exchange for reviews. That’s against Google’s policies; and if you get caught, they can remove your reviews or suspend your profile.
Responding isn’t a courtesy. It’s a strategy.
Whether a review is glowing or scathing, you should respond. It shows you care. And according to Google, businesses that respond to reviews are seen as more trustworthy.
Keep your replies short, sincere, and professional. Thank people for their feedback. Apologize if something went wrong. And resist the urge to argue, even if the review is clearly unfair. You’re not just answering one person; you’re showing every future customer how you handle criticism.
Track the trends. Make smarter moves.
If you’re getting a lot of reviews, it’s worth tracking them. Look at the average star rating over time. Pay attention to keywords people use. Are they raving about your staff? Complaining about wait times? Tools like Google Business Profile Insights or third-party platforms like Podium or Birdeye can help you spot patterns.
That kind of data can guide real business decisions. Maybe you need to retrain staff. Maybe your hours aren’t clear. Or maybe, just maybe, people really do want more vegan options on the menu.
But what about fake reviews?
Yeah, they’re a problem. Some are overly glowing and suspiciously vague. Others are clearly written by someone who’s never been near your business. Google uses machine learning and human moderators to catch and remove fake reviews; but some still slip through.
If you spot one, flag it. You can report reviews that violate Google’s policies—like spam, hate speech, or off-topic rants—and request removal.
Bottom line: Google Reviews shape perception.
They influence how people see you, how Google ranks you, and how likely someone is to walk through your door. Managing them well, ethically, consistently, and with a little common sense, can make a real difference.
And if you’re still not convinced, ask yourself this: when was the last time you picked a new restaurant, salon, or mechanic without reading the reviews first?
Exactly.
That’s the breakdown.
We’ll be back with more.
Until then, keep building.
– Perfect Sites Blog