The Importance of Google Reviews

The Importance of Google Reviews

Do you know how Google began without Googling it? We all depend on Google! If you haven’t already done so, Google started as a research project at Stanford by two Ph.D. students to help them find files on the Internet. Twenty-five years later, Google is the most trusted search engine out there. Google has blossomed into many different products and services and is the definition of top-of-mind awareness when choosing a search engine, email, and our topic of choice today, business reviews. The importance of Google reviews can be seen through the eyes of the consumer and the business.

The decision-making process of today’s consumers directly reflects the experiences people want to have. Granted, some don’t mind being the first person to purchase a product, use a service or visit a location, but the vast majority of people like to know what they are getting into before spending their money. There are four main review sites, Google, Yelp, Tripadvisor, and Facebook; however, according to ReviewTrackers data, 63.6% of consumers check Google reviews through Google Maps and Search before visiting a location (SOURCE). Let’s break this down a little further.

The importance of Google reviews:

Google reviews have given consumers a voice. Consumers crave transparency and have a sense of trust in online reviews that is second only to personal recommendations.

- 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
- 68 % of consumers trust opinions posted online.
- 70% apply ratings filters to only see companies with 4-star ratings or higher!(SOURCE)

On a sour note, consumers are more likely to share negative or bad experiences than positive experiences. This is actually good news because it gives businesses a second chance if they respond promptly. Learning how to respond to negative reviews is as important as responding to positive customer feedback.
- 53% of consumers expect businesses to respond to a negative review within three-five business days.
- 45% of consumers reported they are more likely to visit a business if it responds to a negative review. (SOURCE)

Google reviews have kept businesses honest, making them take credit for positive and negative experiences. In return, consumers return the favor with four and five-star ratings, ranking them higher in SEO placement for others to see. Online reviews matter in today’s technology-driven world, don’t leave Google reviews to chance. Contact YCS Marketing to help get you on the five-star rating business plan.