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How Online Reviews Improve Your Business’s Local SEO

Sarah Carnes • June 9, 2020

Looking for ways to improve your company’s online presence? Look no further — the digital strategists at Lift Division have created a guide to local SEO to assist you in your SEO efforts. Unsure where to begin? No worries! Explore our blog series today to learn the ins and outs of SEO. Whether you are interested in creating organic content or optimizing your on-page content, we have all the tips and tricks to improving your local business’s digital marketing efforts.

The Essential Guide for Navigating Local SEO: Part 4

Did you know 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations? Think about your own preferences when determining which companies you trust. If you have no previous knowledge, you may find yourself exploring reviews before making a decision. Business reviews are increasingly becoming an important factor in determining whether or not your company ranks highly in Google’s search results.

Google associates reviews with the popularity of a business. Their main goal is to give users the results they desire with every search. By associating reviews with the popularity of your business, the likelihood of your business appearing during a user’s search increases.

Why are Reviews Important for my Local Business?

According to the Google My Business support page, “High-quality, positive reviews from your customers will improve your business’s visibility and increase the likelihood that a potential customer will visit your location.” When Google encourages reviews and interacting with your customers, you can guarantee reviews are a factor in determining your SEO rank!

In addition, a recent consumer study showed on average consumers spend approximately 13 minutes reading reviews before making a decision. When 82% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, not having them can mean a loss of business. Whether the review is negative or positive, a review ensures authenticity and credibility for consumers.

How do I Encourage Customer Reviews for my Local Business?

Receiving reviews can not only increase your SEO and digital presence, but also gives you a better understanding of what experience your customers are looking for. Whether they have a positive or negative review, a business can find ways to improve through customer feedback. In addition, interacting with your customers through reviews increases your chances of earning their business again.

When asking a customer to review your business it’s important to remember not all customers will want to review your business, and that’s fine! Being pushy and overwhelming will only result in a negative experience and in return a negative review.

If you do receive a negative review, don’t try to hide it. Responding politely and asking if the customer would provide more information by calling your business can improve your customer service and your business’s trustworthiness in the eyes of Google users. When companies are caring and looking for ways to improve, consumers are more likely to think highly of them.

For more details about encouraging reviews, contact our digital strategists about the Lift Local Marketing Package. Our team can give your business the tools to easily receive feedback and increase your reputation with Google. With various price options and plans, we are sure there is a Lift Local Marketing Package for you!

We understand obtaining reviews and responding to your customers can be time-consuming, especially when you are focused on running your local business, That’s why our digital strategists want to help you! Call today to learn more about our Lift Local Marketing Packages.

Let us help you determine how to lift your local business - Contact our experts today!

By Sarah Carnes

Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Sarah had an interest in art, writing and technology from a very early age. She spent her childhood building websites and designing album artwork. Fortunate enough to attend a high school that offered graphic design classes, she was able to pursue her passion and expertise earlier than most of her peers.

Sarah oversees all operational and visual aspects of Lift Division, including design, community management, photography, videography, recruitment and company initiatives. With over 15 years of experience in marketing, Sarah has been instrumental in the high growth of multiple companies and brands, which included helping a company flourish from a $10M to $45M company. She innovates, leads and executes strategic marketing initiatives from the ground up.

Sarah has held various marketing and design positions including Brake Printing, Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan, Westminster College and Fresh Ideas Food Service as the Director of Marketing. Her career has allowed her to innovate, lead and execute strategic marketing initiatives from the ground up while managing a team of digital marketers. Sarah has managed and developed marketing, communication, branding, digital communities and creative direction for various companies throughout her career.

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Sarah Carnes

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