How to get a better rating on Google: Increase your review average
Summary
Want to know exactly how your average Google rating affects your online visibility and how to increase it? This article explains in detail how ratings are calculated, how they appear on your listing, and why they play a crucial role in local SEO . You'll also discover practical techniques for better managing and getting more customer reviews.
Calculation and meaning of the average Google rating
Google calculates your average star rating by adding up all your stars and then dividing that total by your total number of reviews. For example, with 10 5★ reviews and 2 3★ reviews, your score is (10 × 5 + 2 × 3) ÷ 12 = 4.67. The platform uses a scale of 1 to 5★, where each review has equal weight—positive or negative. The more reviews you collect, the more stable your rating becomes and the more representative it is of your true reputation.
This average is displayed on your Google Business listing , in Google Maps, and in local search results. A rating higher than 3.5/5 reassures customers and strengthens your image, while a lower rating can deter them.
Method for calculating the grade
The calculation is simple: add up all your star ratings, divide by the number of reviews you have. Each new review instantly updates your score. To estimate how many 5★ reviews you need to increase your rating (e.g., go from 4.2 to 4.5 with 150 reviews), use online calculators - count on about 50 new perfect reviews.
Need to get more Google reviews ? These guides will help: Increase Your Business Rating and How to Improve Your Google Rating
Where to see and track your score
In your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), view your customer reviews and their star ratings live. Enable alerts to immediately receive each new review, and always respond (ideally within 24 hours) to encourage recent and positive reviews.
Customer reviews: impact of volume on average rating
The number of reviews you receive directly influences your online reputation on Google. The more positive reviews you collect , the less a single negative comment will affect your overall rating. To set meaningful targets, compare two key elements: your current average with your industry average (e.g., 4.1 stars in restaurants or 4.6 in healthcare) and with the scores of your local competitors.
Volume needed to improve
- Getting Started : When you have very few reviews, each new comment rated significantly impacts your average.
- Calculation Method : Use this exact formula to determine the number of reviews required: (current rating × number of existing reviews + 5 × new reviews) ÷ (total existing reviews + new reviews).
- Practical case : To go from a rating of 4.2 to 4.5 with 200 existing reviews, you would need to get about 100 new 5-star reviews.
- Buffer effect : with 50 reviews, a negative feedback has little impact on your average, whereas with only 5 reviews recorded, it can cause it to drop drastically.
The optimal rating on Google is generally between 4.2 and 4.6 stars : this score inspires confidence while remaining credible. Be careful, an average above 4.8 stars could arouse suspicion among some customers regarding the authenticity of your reviews.
Strategic management of rated reviews
Gathering customer reviews is a necessary foundation, but it's not enough. To truly maintain your online reputation and strengthen your local SEO position, you need to actively manage these reviews . Every response you provide helps shape your business 's score on Google .
Respond to build loyalty
- Responsiveness : Ideally, respond to every review within 24 hours, regardless of whether it's positive or negative .
- Personalization : Always use the customer's first name and refer to specific elements of their experience to demonstrate that you are listening.
- Concrete solution : When you encounter a negative review , offer a tangible reward or a new opportunity to convert this criticism into a positive experience.
- Continued Engagement : Invite satisfied customers to share their opinion again during their next visits.
Moderation and reporting
Whether through the Google My Business interface or through dedicated solutions, be sure to report any inappropriate or questionable reviews . This strict control of review quality allows you to obtain a more accurate average that is truly representative of your local business.
Proactive collection of customer reviews
To get more customer reviews , adopt natural and effective methods. Here are the most effective strategies for collecting quality feedback:
- Diversify your requests : follow up with a follow-up email, a personalized text message 24 hours after purchase, and a QR code on your receipt. A telling example : a Marseille bakery increased its 5-star reviews by 30% in one month thanks to this method.
- Simplify with automation : Set up your CRM to automatically send a link to your Google business listing . Concrete proof : a beauty salon doubled its positive reviews in one quarter with an automated email sent 48 hours after the visit.
- Involve your employees : Train your team to ask for online reviews naturally, emphasizing their impact on your average . The result : a restaurant went from 4.2 to 4.7 stars in six months.
Consider using a variety of platforms (Trustpilot, Facebook, your website) to boost your customer reviews by up to 20%. Don't hesitate to showcase this feedback on your social media.
Monitoring and evolution of the note
To make effective progress, set realistic goals by comparing yourself to similar businesses in your geographic area. Analyzing your local market is essential. Using a monthly dashboard, you can accurately calculate the number of additional reviews you need to strengthen or improve your position.
Reassess regularly
- Monthly analysis : save your data in a table to track changes in real time.
- Continuous calibration : adjust your goals based on the performance of local businesses around you.
- Team engagement : Involve your entire staff in collecting feedback and responding to customers.
Role of recency
Google and other platforms prioritize recent reviews, so it's crucial to maintain a steady stream of requests . The more local feedback you receive, the higher your average rating will be, which boosts your visibility on Google Maps and in location-based search results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good rating on Google?
A satisfactory Google rating is typically between 4.2 and 4.6 stars . This optimal range shows that your business inspires trust among customers while maintaining an authentic feel. An average in this range also boosts your local SEO ranking, which is crucial for your online visibility, as Local SEO consultant Guilhem ARREGLE points out.
How to calculate the average Google review?
To calculate your average star rating, simply add up all the star ratings (for example, 8 5-star reviews and 2 3-star reviews) and then divide that total by the number of reviews . For example: (8×5 + 2×3) ÷ 10 = 4.6 stars. Each review has equal weight in this calculation , which determines your reputation on Google.
How to get more Google reviews?
To generate more reviews on Google, expand your engagement channels: requests by email, SMS, or QR codes at the point of sale. Involve your team in this process to maximize feedback. Automate the process with your CRM and ensure your local Google listing is easily accessible—this makes it much easier for your customers to submit reviews.
