How to Increase Your Google Average Rating with Positively Rated Customer Reviews
Summary
Want to understand how to optimize your Google rating and boost your business's online reputation? Together, we'll decipher how the average rating on Google My Business is calculated and give you all the keys to getting more positive reviews and improving your visibility.
How is the average Google rating calculated?
Managing your online reputation requires mastering the calculation of your average rating. This assessment, visible on Google Maps and in search results, is a key indicator of your credibility. Let's take a look at how this average is calculated and how to anticipate its variations.
Sum of stars on the review sheet
Google determines your average star rating by adding up all the stars you've given, then dividing that total by the number of existing reviews you have. For example, if you have 12 reviews (10 of which are 5★ and 2 of which are 3★), the calculation is: (10×5 + 2×3) ÷ 12 = 4.67★ .
This average changes with each new comment. That's why it's crucial to encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews: this helps to sustainably increase your score and strengthen your digital reputation .
- Transparent method : A simple calculation (addition + division)
- Auto-display : Google shows your average and rating scale everywhere
- Regular update : The score is recalculated approximately every two weeks
Our tip: Use a specialized calculator to determine how many additional reviews you need to reach your goal. Simply enter your current average and your total number of reviews.
Impact of a new rated notice
The impact of a new review directly depends on the number of reviews you already have. Google gives more weight to recent reviews (from the last 6-12 months). The more reviews you have, the less impact a single negative review can have on your average.
Speaking example:
- With 5 reviews , just one 1★ can drop your rating from 4.8 to 3.8
- With 50 reviews , the same 1★ would only lower it to 4.53
The solution? Implement an active strategy to get more positive reviews and build a shield against potential negative ones.
Average evolution according to the number of opinions
Your credibility increases with your review volume. Going from 50 to 300 reviews helps stabilize your average and improve your local SEO .
Impact table:
| Number of reviews | Impact of a 1★ | Variation |
| 5 | Heavy fall | 4.8 → 3.8 |
| 50 | Moderate | 4.6 → 4.53 |
| 150 | Minimal | 4.5 → 4.48 |
In conclusion, the best strategy is to regularly accumulate positive reviews to protect your overall rating and optimize your visibility on Google Business. To learn more about this topic, check out our complete guide on improving your average Google rating .
Collection of opinions and influence on the average rating
To improve your reputation and increase your score on Google, nothing beats actively collecting customer reviews. Every comment you rate—whether positive or negative—directly influences your Google listing and its credibility. Discover why a good method for getting more reviews makes all the difference.
Multiply Google reviews for a reliable average
The more customer reviews you accumulate, the stronger your average rating on Google Business becomes. With 100 or more reviews, your rating is more resilient to fluctuations and inspires trust among users on Google Maps . Incorporate this approach systematically after every customer contact.
- Multi-channel strategy : Mix emails, SMS and QR codes at the point of sale to obtain more reviews with optimal response rates.
- Staff engagement : Train your teams to ask for reviews at every interaction to increase the number of existing reviews.
- Cross-platform : Collect feedback on Google Business, Trustpilot, and Facebook to earn up to 20% more reviews.
- Monthly Analysis : Track your new reviews to adjust your method and keep recent reviews.
Using Google Business Profile or specialized tools makes it easier to manage returns and monitor your online reputation.
Respond to reviews to make your profile more credible
Responding to reviews—especially negative ones—immediately reinforces the authenticity of your listing. Respond within 24 hours, personalize your responses with the customer's first name, and offer appropriate solutions.
This practice visibly improves your average, encourages positive reviews, and proves that your digital reputation is a priority for you.
Optimize your Google profile to boost your average
A well-maintained Google profile attracts more visitors, increases your conversions, and makes it easier to collect new reviews . By optimizing your profile, you boost your visibility and can increase your rating on Google My Business .
Complete and update your Google profile
Make sure you fill out all the key information carefully: website, contact details, opening hours, detailed description and professional categories. A profile that is more than 90% complete significantly improves your visibility and strengthens your local SEO .
Add a showcase photo and at least 50 images representing your services. Keep your information up to date (special hours, offers) and optimize for mobile viewing, as most searches come from smartphones.
Also check that your Google My Business account is perfectly configured and synchronized with your site for optimal display.
Highlight customer reviews and images
Highlight your best 5-star reviews on your website, in your storefront, or on social media. This reassures future customers and encourages further feedback .
- Featured on the site : Displaying your best reviews builds trust before purchase
- Social Media Communication : Sharing testimonials motivates other customers to speak out
- In-store signage : A clearly visible QR code makes it easier to post reviews directly
- Illustration : Showing customer photos gives more credibility to your profile
Each action can be analyzed via a dashboard or CRM, helping you optimize your efforts to increase your overall score .
Study the competition and adapt the target score
Analyze competitor averages on Google Maps and Google My Business to set a goal to exceed. A higher ranking than your rivals significantly improves your local ranking.
Consult industry studies to determine the standard for your industry (restaurants, healthcare, etc.). Reassess this objective quarterly and keep your score above the standard to remain competitive.
Finally, use a review calculator to estimate how many new 5-star ratings are needed: for example, going from 4.2 to 4.5 with 150 existing reviews requires about 50 new positive reviews.
For a deeper dive, check out our comprehensive guide on How to Get a Better Google Rating : Increasing Your Average... with practical examples by industry.
Techniques to get more rated reviews
Your overall Google rating depends on both the quantity and quality of customer feedback. Here are some proven methods to increase your review count and strengthen your online reputation.
Integrate feedback requests into the customer experience
- In-store QR code : Install an easily scannable code leading directly to your Google My Business listing.
- Email/SMS Follow-Up : Send a personalized review request 24 hours after purchase to maximize returns.
- Live Request : Train your team to naturally request feedback at the end of the shift.
Consider adding a clickable link to your GMB listing on all your customer materials (invoices, email signatures) to make it easier to submit reviews.
Optimize reminders and review content
Write contextual messages mentioning the product/service used to get more detailed reviews. A subtle reminder after a few days can double your response rate without being intrusive.
Encourage qualitative comments: these specific testimonials significantly improve your overall score and credibility on Google.
Involve the team and monitor progress
Educate your staff about the importance of each rated review for your visibility. Use a tracking tool (CRM or spreadsheet) to analyze the evolution of your reputation.
Follow regularly:
- The total number of reviews received
- Your calculated average
- Monthly progression
Share your best feedback on social media and in your storefront to encourage more quality reviews.
Why moderate and respond to Google reviews?
Maintaining a relationship with your customers through their reviews , whether positive or negative , strengthens your business's credibility. A well-managed listing with varied feedback significantly improves your position in local SEO on Google.
Managing negative reviews and balancing your profile
Keeping a few carefully selected negative reviews adds realism to your profile. Consistently responding with empathy and tangible solutions demonstrates your professionalism and can turn criticism into an opportunity.
- Tailor-made response : Mention the customer's first name and offer a solution tailored to their problem.
- Wise compensation : Offer appropriate compensation to demonstrate your commitment.
- Visible improvement : Clearly communicate the changes implemented based on feedback received.
Studies show that around 70% of consumers trust a business more with a balanced mix of positive and negative reviews , especially when responses are quick and relevant.
Turning a Disappointed Customer into a Positive Review
Skillful handling of a complaint can prompt the customer to revise their rating upwards, often resulting in a new comment with an excellent rating (4 or 5 stars ).
Regularly monitor your average score , study feedback to identify areas for improvement, and adopt transparent communication to establish a lasting relationship of trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good rating on Google?
To be well perceived on Google , aim for an average of between 4.2 and 4.6 stars . This high score improves your image while optimizing your local SEO .
What is the average Google rating?
The average varies depending on your industry. For example, restaurants tend to be around 4.0 stars , while professional services often reach 4.5 . To rank, study your industry's statistics and compare your listing with those of your competitors on Google Maps .
How to see your average on Google?
Find out your score at a glance: either via your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business ) or by typing your business name on Maps . Your total reviews and rating are displayed directly below your business name.
