Google Reviews: A Powerful Lever for Your Local Visibility and SEO
- Annick Vivicorsi
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
Today, when an Internet user looks for a professional near them, the first thing they look at is no longer just the website… but Google reviews .
Whether you are a therapist, craftsman, trader or freelancer, customer reviews on your Google Business Profile directly influence:
your online reputation ,
your click-through rate in local results ,
and even your local SEO .
Here's why you can't ignore them anymore, and how to use them effectively.
1. What is a Google review?
A Google review is a public comment left by a customer on your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). It contains:
a rating out of 5 stars ,
a free comment ,
and sometimes photos taken by the customer.
These notices appear:
in local search results (Google Maps, boxes to the right of the results),
in general searches if your name or activity is mentioned.
2. Why are Google reviews so important?
a. To reassure your future customers
According to several studies, nearly 90% of consumers consult Google reviews before contacting a professional. A few well-written positive reviews are often enough to:
stand out from your competitors,
reassure about your seriousness,
trigger a contact.
b. To improve your local SEO
Google takes reviews into account in its local algorithm:
quantity of opinions,
freshness of opinions,
keywords present in the comments,
company response rate.
An active, vibrant profile with regular reviews is more likely to appear at the top of Google Maps or in the “local pack.”
c. To strengthen your online presence
Google reviews are a free way to gain exposure . They appear in searches without you having to advertise. They keep your business listing alive, even when you don't publish anything.
3. How to Get Google Reviews Effectively and Ethically
Ask for feedback after every successful service. A satisfied customer is usually willing to help. Just ask them clearly.
Send a direct link. Use the link provided in your Google Business Profile to simplify the process. You can send it via email or SMS.
Explain why it's helpful. Example: “If you were happy with our session, a quick Google review really helps me stay visible locally.”
Stay consistent. A few reviews a month are better than an artificial wave. Consistency is a positive signal to Google.
Don't cheat. Don't buy reviews or use fake accounts: Google detects them and can suspend your listing.
4. How to respond to your Google reviews?
Always thank , even for very short reviews.
Personalize your response when possible.
Stay professional , even in the face of unjustified criticism.
Highlight your values or approach in your response: it is a visible and useful space for your brand image.
5. Customer case: AnneSophieDolhem.fr
For this reflexologist and naturopath based in Buis-les-Baronnies, the SEO work was accompanied by a simple review collection strategy:
review link embedded in thank you emails,
oral awareness at the end of the session,
systematic and caring response.
Result :
a solid and reassuring Google profile ,
increased local visibility on searches for "reflexologist Buis-les-Baronnies" and "naturopath Vaison-la-Romaine",
increased qualified local traffic to the site.
6. Need support for your Google listing?
I offer comprehensive support for:
the creation or optimization of your Google Business Profile,
consistency with your site (local tags, mentions),
integrating reviews into your overall SEO strategy,
monthly monitoring of your local visibility .
Conclusion
Google reviews aren't just a reputation boost. They're real levers for local visibility and conversion , and you can activate them simply, for free, and sustainably.
Integrated into a coherent natural referencing strategy, they strengthen your authority, your image... and your results.
Annick Vivicorsi
