Did you know that Google reviews can contribute to a business’s SEO?

What are the best practices for leaving reviews?

SEO isn’t just about loading your website with keywords; reviews written by real people play a significant role in helping a business climb the search engine ladder! Here are ten ways that Google reviews can improve SEO for (small) businesses:

Improved Local SEO

This one is pretty simple: positive reviews that contain relevant keywords can make a business appear more often in local search results.

Increased Click-Through Rates (CTRs)

Businesses with a lot of positive reviews are more likely to get clicks. More clicks equal a higher click-through rate, and a higher click-through rate improves your search engine ranking.

Keyword Relevance

Including keywords that are relevant to the business will make them show up more when those words are searched in Google. For example, “SEO Agency Michigan” and “Internet Marketing Company” are relevant keywords for Michigan SEO Group.

Fresh Content and Regular Updates

Google favors fresh, consistently-updated content. Since reviews are continuously updated over time, they are a strong source of fresh content. This in turn tells the search engine that the business is active.

User-Generated Content

This one goes hand-in-hand with “fresh content and regular updates.” Search engines often prioritize content created by users because it reflects real-world experiences, which contributes to the credibility of a business.

Local Pack Rankings

Positive reviews can help a business's position in the "local pack," which is a set of local businesses that appear at the top of a search result. High-ranking businesses in the local pack are more likely to attract clicks. 

Build Trust and Reputation

This is the companion to “user generated content.” Positive reviews build trust and credibility for a business. Search engines aim to provide users with helpful information, so they are more likely to promote a business that appears to be trusted by other users.

Increased Dwell Time and Engagement

The amount of time that a user spends on a business's page is called "dwell time." Reviews are an effective way of engaging readers, which means they are more likely to spend time interacting with your business page. Higher dwell time tells search engines that the content is relevant and valuable. 

Mobile Search Impact

Many people perform searches on their smart phones or other mobile tech. Positive reviews can have a significant impact on mobile search rankings, as mobile search algorithms often prioritize local businesses with positive reviews.

Social Proof

This is the main function that people think of when writing or reading reviews. When users see that others have had a positive experience with a business, they are more likely to engage with that business, which influences all the previous points. 

Get More Marketing Tips from a Local Michigan SEO Agency

Or better yet, let us help your business with SEO!

Michigan SEO Group is run by real people who are excited to help you grow your business. For more information, call (877) 815-6974 or submit a contact form here. Or click here to read Google reviews from our happy clients!