Think reviews don’t matter? Think again. Google reviews aren’t just about reputation—they directly impact your search rankings. If you’re wondering why your competitors are showing up higher than you, there’s a good chance they have more (and better) reviews. The good news? You can fix that.
Do Google Reviews Really Affect SEO?
Yes, big time. Google reviews influence your rankings in several ways:
- They Boost Local SEO: More positive reviews tell Google that people trust your business, which helps you rank higher in local searches.
- They Improve Click-Through Rates: Let’s be real—people trust businesses with lots of good reviews. If you have a 4.8-star rating while your competitor has 3.2 stars, who’s getting the click?
- They Help Google Understand Your Business: Reviews often mention keywords (like “best Christian bookstore in Dallas”), which helps Google match your business to relevant searches.
Translation? More good reviews = better rankings and more customers.
How Many Reviews Do You Actually Need?
There’s no magic number, but here’s a rule of thumb: The more, the better. Businesses with at least 10-15 recent reviews tend to rank higher than those with only a few. And yes, “recent” matters—Google values fresh reviews over ones from five years ago.
How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Christian Business
So, how do you actually get more reviews without sounding desperate? Here are a few simple strategies:
- Just Ask. Seriously, most happy customers will leave a review if you remind them. A simple “Would you mind leaving us a quick review on Google?” goes a long way.
- Send a Follow-Up Email. After a service or purchase, send an email thanking them and including a direct link to your Google review page.
- Make It Easy. The harder it is to leave a review, the less likely people will do it. Share your Google review link in emails, on receipts, and even in social media posts.
- Ask In Person. If a customer tells you how much they love your service, that’s the perfect moment to ask for a review.
- Reply to Every Review. Google sees engagement as a positive sign. Whether it’s a glowing five-star review or a not-so-great one, respond to them all.
What About Negative Reviews?
Let’s be honest—negative reviews happen. Even if you run your business with integrity, you can’t please everyone. The key is how you handle them.
When responding to a bad review, remember:
- Stay professional—don’t argue or get defensive.
- Acknowledge their issue and offer a solution if possible.
- Show potential customers that you care about feedback and improving.
Many customers will judge your business based on how you handle criticism, so take the high road.
Google Reviews Are an SEO Superpower
Getting more Google reviews doesn’t just boost your reputation—it directly helps you rank higher, attract more customers, and build trust in your community.
Need help improving your SEO? Schedule a free, no-pressure call and let’s create a strategy that gets your business noticed.
