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Mar
26
How to Get More Google Reviews
Posted by Webtivity on 26 March 2025 10:20 am

Google reviews are one of the most powerful tools for building trust, boosting local SEO, and attracting new customers. Whether you’re running a brick-and-mortar shop, offering professional services, or managing an eCommerce brand with a physical presence, increasing your number of Google reviews can significantly enhance your credibility and online visibility.

But there’s a right way—and a wrong way—to ask for reviews. Let’s break it down.

Why Google Reviews Matter

Before we dive into strategies, here’s why you should care:

  • Trust & Social Proof: Most people read reviews before choosing a business. A strong rating with recent positive reviews builds confidence.
  • Local SEO Boost: Google favors businesses with high-quality, consistent reviews when ranking local search results.
  • Customer Feedback: Reviews give you insights into what you’re doing well and where you can improve.
Getting Google Reviews image

How to Get More Google Reviews (The Right Way)

1. Just Ask—But Do It Smartly

Don’t be shy about asking customers for a review. Most people are willing, they just need a nudge.

  • In person: After a successful service or sale, simply say, “If you had a great experience, we’d really appreciate a Google review!”
  • Via email or SMS: Follow up after a purchase or visit with a short, polite message and a direct link to your Google review page.
  • On receipts or packaging: Include a friendly reminder and QR code or short link to your review profile.

2. Make Google Reviews Easy

The fewer clicks, the better. Use a direct link or QR code to your Google review form. You can generate this via Google’s “Place ID Finder” or through your Google Business Profile dashboard.

3. Use Signage and Reminders

A small sign at checkout with a QR code, on your website, or in your email signature can be effective. Example:
“We value your feedback. Leave us a quick Google review!”

4. Respond to Reviews

Engage with people who leave feedback—positive or negative. It shows you care and encourages others to do the same.


What Not to Do When Asking for Google Reviews

It’s easy to get desperate for five-star ratings, but the wrong tactics can get you penalized—or worse, damage your reputation. Here’s what to avoid:

❌ Don’t Buy Reviews

Fake reviews are against Google’s policies and can lead to your business being suspended from Google Maps or having reviews removed.

❌ Don’t Review Your Own Business

This includes having friends or family post fake reviews. Google uses sophisticated algorithms to detect and remove suspicious activity.

❌ Don’t Gate Reviews

This is when you only ask happy customers to leave a review while filtering out unhappy ones. Google considers this “review gating” and it’s a violation of their terms.

❌ Don’t Pressure People

Asking is fine—pestering or coercing is not. It’s important that reviews are left voluntarily.

❌ Don’t Offer Rewards for Reviews

Even well-meaning incentives (like “leave a review and get 10% off”) are against Google’s review policies. You can thank people after they leave a review, but don’t tie a reward to the act of reviewing.


Just Ask

The key to getting more Google reviews is to ask authentically, make it easy, and keep the experience positive for your customers. Don’t try to game the system—focus on delivering great service and encouraging genuine feedback. In time, those five stars will start adding up.

Click here to learn more about promoting your Google reviews.

The post How to Get More Google Reviews appeared first on Webtivity Marketing & Design.


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Mar
13
Local SEO: Boost Your Business Visibility
Posted by Webtivity on 13 March 2025 09:06 am
Illustration depicting local SEO and search

In today’s digital landscape, local search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for businesses looking to attract nearby customers. Whether you own a brick-and-mortar store, a service-based business, or a local franchise, optimizing your online presence can significantly impact your visibility, foot traffic, and revenue. This guide will walk you through the key aspects of local SEO and how you can leverage it to grow your business.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO is the process of optimizing your online presence to increase visibility in local search results on Google and other search engines. It helps businesses connect with potential customers searching for products and services in their area.

Why is Local SEO Important?

  • Increases Local Visibility: Appearing in local search results helps attract customers who are looking for nearby solutions.
  • Boosts Website Traffic and Conversions: People searching for local businesses often have high purchase intent.
  • Enhances Credibility and Trust: A strong local SEO presence, including positive reviews, builds consumer trust.
  • Gives You a Competitive Edge: Optimizing for local SEO helps you stand out from competitors who neglect this strategy.

Key Local SEO Strategies

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly Google My Business, is a crucial tool for local SEO. To optimize it:

  • Claim and verify your listing.
  • Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms.
  • Add a detailed business description with relevant keywords.
  • Add services & products.
  • Add questions and answers.
  • Add social media links.
  • Upload high-quality photos of your business.
  • Collect and respond to customer reviews.

2. Focus on Local Keywords

Using local keywords helps search engines connect your business with regional customers. To optimize for local search:

  • Conduct keyword research using tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs.
  • Include location-specific keywords in your website content, meta descriptions, and headers.
  • Optimize for long-tail keywords such as “best coffee shop in [city]” or “affordable plumbers near me.”

3. Build Local Citations

Local citations are online mentions of your business’s NAP information. Ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent across directories like:

  • Google
  • Yelp
  • Yellow Pages
  • Bing Places
  • Apple Maps
  • Industry-specific directories
  • Local business directories

4. Encourage and Manage Online Reviews

Reviews influence your search ranking and customer trust. To build a strong review profile:

  • Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, Facebook and Yelp.
  • Respond to reviews professionally and promptly.
  • Address negative feedback constructively to improve customer experience.

5. Optimize Your Website for Local SEO

Your website should be optimized to provide a seamless experience for local users. Key tactics include:

  • Creating location-specific pages if you serve multiple areas.
  • Embedding Google Maps on your contact page.
  • Adding structured data (schema markup) to help search engines understand your business.
  • Ensuring your website is mobile-friendly and fast-loading.

6. Leverage Local Link Building

Backlinks from reputable local websites can improve your search ranking. Strategies include:

  • Partnering with local influencers and bloggers.
  • Getting featured in local news articles or directories.
  • Sponsoring local events or charities to gain exposure and backlinks.

7. Utilize Social Media for Local Engagement

Active social media engagement can strengthen your local presence. Consider:

  • Sharing location-based content and promotions.
  • Engaging with followers through comments and messages.
  • Utilizing geotags and local hashtags to increase reach.

Webtivity Marketing & Design

Local SEO is a powerful tool for businesses looking to attract nearby customers and boost their online visibility. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, targeting local keywords, managing reviews, and enhancing your website, you can significantly improve your local search rankings and drive more customers to your business. Webtivity Marketing & Design can implement these strategies for you today and watch your local presence grow!

The post Local SEO: Boost Your Business Visibility appeared first on Webtivity Marketing & Design.


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