How to Improve Your Business's Google Rating with Reviews: Effective Strategies to Get a Better Google My Business Rating
Summary
In this practical guide, we explain how to improve your business's Google rating by effectively managing customer reviews and optimizing your Google My Business listing . A well-thought-out strategy will increase your local visibility , improve your reputation, and help you attract more potential customers .
Understanding the rating and review sheet
Your business 's Google rating is a key factor in attracting new customers. Understanding how it works and how Google Business reviews influence your image will help you develop an effective approach to boosting your online reputation.
Calculating your rating is simple: it's the average of all the star ratings your Google listing receives. For example, imagine a restaurant with 25 5-star reviews, 10 4-star reviews, and 5 3-star reviews—its average rating would be 4.5. Google may also consider reviews from other local platforms, making the rating system on Google Maps even more reliable for your business profile .
How is your establishment rated?
Each new review posted on your Google business profile directly impacts your average rating. While a recent comment can change your score within a few days, it can take up to two weeks for the full update to take effect. Older reviews remain visible, but their impact gradually diminishes as you receive new reviews.
View the Google business listing
To view or respond to reviews on Google , you can easily find your Google Business via Google Maps or your Google Business Profile . Your listing clearly displays the average rating, the total number of reviews, and the best featured comments. You can filter reviews (positive, negative, or recent) and even add your own responses or photos in just a few clicks.
The 1-5 star rating system makes it easy for customers to compare local establishments . We recommend sharing your customer reviews on your website or social media—this strengthens your image and encourages more customers to leave a review .
To go further in analyzing your Google rating and understand its impact on local SEO: How to increase your establishment's Google rating .
Strategies to Get More Customer Reviews
To significantly increase the number of authentic reviews on your Google My Business profile , it's essential to skillfully combine different methods: automated reminders, personalized solicitations, and subtle incentives. This multi-channel strategy helps you regularly generate new Google reviews while strengthening your business 's reputation.
Encourage the submission of reviews after each visit
Soliciting feedback immediately after the customer interaction significantly increases your chances of receiving detailed and positive reviews . Take a hair salon, for example: by scheduling a text message with the customer's first name and a link to their Google My Business listing 24 hours after the service, they managed to increase their Google reviews by 40% in three months.
For your local business, consider strategically placing QR codes near the checkout or on packaging. These codes instantly redirect to your review page. Explain to your customers that a simple testimonial takes less than three minutes but has a lasting impact on your visibility.
Automated reminders and personalization
Integrate a professional tool to send automated reminders (by email or SMS) two days after each transaction. A personalized mention with the customer 's first name and purchase details can increase your conversion rate to written reviews by 25% , without increasing the workload.
- Prepare an effective sequence : thank you message with direct link to your review page
- Set smart reminders for customers who haven't yet given a review
- Use all your physical media (menus, bags, windows) to discreetly invite people to share their experience
Caution: Strictly adhere to Google's review policies. Any attempt to obtain more reviews in exchange for rewards may result in your account being suspended and seriously harm your credibility.
Involve the team to increase reviews
Transform your employees into natural ambassadors for your establishment. Show them how to ask for feedback at the right time, for example, upon customer arrival or after a service, without it feeling forced.
- Frequently analyze the number of reviews received to target the most favorable periods and perfect your method.
- Install discreet materials (posters, stickers on menus or receipts) reminding people why it is essential to be well rated on Google.
- Highlight your most positive customer feedback on your website and social media to encourage other visitors to share their experience.
This team approach increases your listing's visibility , attracts more potential customers , and boosts your average rating over the long term.
Manage and promote reviews with a suitable tool
Specialized software offers you a complete solution for efficiently managing all reviews on Google and other local platforms. This revolutionary tool improves the visibility of your customer feedback while making their analysis and moderation more intuitive.
Respond quickly and personally
Responding to each new review within 24 hours or less significantly boosts your business 's credibility. Here's how to optimize your approach:
- Set up instant alerts from your Google Business Profile so you never miss a comment
- Write tailored responses that capture the customer 's key points and mention the relevant department.
- When faced with a negative opinion , show your responsiveness by offering a suitable solution.
- Highlight your establishment by integrating your best reviews on your site via a professional widget
Turning Negative Reviews into Opportunities
Did you know that a well-managed negative review can boost your local business 's image? A professional response often impresses customers and may encourage them to revise their Google review .
- Systematically offer compensation (refund, replacement product) to regain trust
- Politely suggest a new review once the issue is resolved
- Identify trends in reviews with your management tool to optimize your Google business
Report fake reviews
Regularly reviewing your Google Business listing is essential for detecting suspicious reviews. By reporting fraudulent reviews directly in the interface, you can maintain the authenticity of your profile and protect your business 's reputation.
How to get a better rating with recent reviews
Achieving a good Google rating isn't something you can achieve overnight. Your business needs to regularly receive customer reviews to maintain its credibility in local search results. Recent reviews show that your business is active and attentive to its customers.
The importance of freshness
Your Google listings gain visibility when they accumulate regular reviews. Make it easy for your customers: offer them the option to leave a new review right after their visit via SMS, email, or QR code.
- Highlight recent positive reviews to motivate other customers to speak out.
- Respond personally to every comment, even critical ones - this shows your professionalism.
- Use your social networks to share a notable opinion or news about your business.
Concrete actions
Optimize your business listing on Google Maps : check that all your information (exact coordinates, opening hours, services) is up to date and regularly post photos of your premises .
- Set up email alerts so you never miss a customer review .
- Monitor your average score daily and react as soon as it drops.
- Always favor authentic feedback - Google penalizes fake reviews.
By naturally encouraging customer feedback and highlighting your positive reviews , you will improve your rating on Google , boost your business and gain visibility .
For further information: How to optimize your business listing with Google reviews .
Frequently Asked Questions
How to post a review on Google for a business?
Leaving a review for a business is easy: search for the business on Google Maps or via Google Search. Once on the business page , click the "Leave a review" button. You can give a rating between 1 and 5 stars and write a detailed comment if you wish. Your Google review will be visible after validation!
How is Google My Business rating calculated?
The average displayed on a business's profile is the average rating of all its reviews. Google simply adds up the total number of stars received, then divides by the number of reviews. For example, if 10 customers gave 5 stars and 2 gave 3 stars, the calculation would be (10x5 + 2x3) / 12 = 4.67 . Each new review automatically updates this average within 48 hours.
How do I view a company's Google reviews?
Finding Google reviews for a business is easy: search for the business name in Google My Business or Google Maps. On the business's page , you'll see its overall rating, the total number of reviews, and read all the comments. You can even sort reviews by date or star rating to more easily find the feedback you're interested in.
