You might be a new business owner with a fresh Google Business Profile or the owner of a business that has been receiving Google reviews already.
Either way, how many Google reviews you need is something worth thinking about.
Businesses these days are constantly looking to get more reviews to increase their chance of success in a competitive online industry.
Customer reviews are here to stay and businesses not only need to adapt, but take advantage of the benefits that Google reviews have to offer.
But how many Google reviews is considered good? How many reviews is enough to engage customers, improve rankings, and increase sales?
The obvious answer is as many as possible.
Still, there are other factors that need considering, such as positive and negative reviews, review legitimacy, review frequency, and star rating.
It might sound like a lot, but this guide will explain everything you need to know – along with the best solution to get more Google reviews.
How Google Reviews Benefit Your Business
Reviews are more than customer feedback. But while feedback is important for obvious reasons, the benefits of customer reviews go far beyond that.
Reviews are real-life testimonials of the quality of your service. A Google review, in particular, can serve as a powerful endorsement of your business.
And in today’s world where customer purchase decisions rely on trust and credibility, positive reviews are essential for businesses that want to be successful.
We don’t have to tell you that Google rules the internet; it’s the world’s go-to search engine and, due to that, the number one review platform that businesses need to establish a presence on.
Positive Google reviews from your customers will not only improve your online reputation by backing up what your business says it offers, but improve your business’ search engine rankings (SEO), boosting your visibility and reach.
Positive Google reviews also generate your star rating, typically the first thing a customer sees on Google when making a search.
And if your Business Profile boasts a high star rating, customers are more likely to be drawn to your business.
How Many Google Reviews Is Good?
It shouldn’t have to be said that getting positive reviews from customers is what your business needs to strive for.
And the more positive Google reviews your business has, the better.
For new businesses, a minimum of five Google reviews that are mostly positive can be enough to help your business engage more customers.
Fewer than five, or no reviews at all, is not going to be as effective – if at all.
Despite that, research tells us that customers will read an average of 10 Google reviews before trusting a business
With that in mind, it’s worth shooting for double figures if you want to establish your business as an authority.
In fact, a study conducted at Northwestern University found that 20 to 50 reviews is a minimum ballpark number that gives customers confidence that a product/service has been tried by enough people.
As a result, customers will consider making a purchase.
So generally speaking, your business needs to have at least 20 Google reviews to engage customers and generate trust.
How Many Reviews Do You Need For A Google Star Rating?
Google star ratings are the average review rating a business has received from its reviews.
When posting reviews, customers rate the business from 1 to 5, and this contributes to the business’ overall rating.
Star ratings are just as important as reviews as not only is it a collective rating of your service, but a badge of certification displayed alongside your business on search engine results pages.
As a result, star ratings can determine how attractive and clickable a business is for customers – especially when competing businesses are listed together.
You might be glad to know that gone are the days when Google Business Profiles required a minimum of five reviews to have a star rating.
Google has changed this policy, so now businesses that have as few as one review will have a star rating displayed on their profile.
What Is A Good Star Rating On Google?
So having at least 20 Google reviews is a good number to engage customers, and the star rating generated from a business’ customer reviews is just as important for boosting general appeal.
The next question that needs to be asked then is what is a good Google star rating?
You might be surprised to find out that it isn’t 5 stars.
Five stars, despite being the highest rating, can come across as too good to be true for browsing customers.
It arouses suspicion, especially since fake reviews and paid reviews are not uncommon.
If you think about it, no well-established business has a perfect 5-star rating – and this is expected.
In fact, studies show that businesses ranking on the first page of local search results have an average rating of 4.4.
As it turns out, this rating is just right. The likelihood of purchase peaks between 4 and 4.7 stars, decreasing as the rating gets closer to 5.
So, for your business, having a perfect 5-star rating isn’t needed, or even beneficial.
Final Word – How To Get More Google Reviews
What’s the final takeaway?
Taking all the above points into consideration, your business needs to strive to get as many Google reviews as possible – reviews that are largely positive, giving your business a collective star rating of at least 4 stars.
Additionally, responding to existing Google reviews can encourage more customer engagement and foster customer loyalty, ultimately leading to more feedback from others.
This will improve SEO rankings, boost customer trust, and establish your business as an authoritative online presence.
So it’s not just about quantity, but quality.
And where quantity is concerned, what’s equally important is how frequently your business is receiving reviews on a consistent basis.
Needless to say, getting a stead stream of reviews on Google and other review sites is not easy.
At minimum, it requires time, effort, and an effective strategy.
But that’s where ReputationStacker can replace any review strategy you have – or even the need for a strategy.
Using powerful automation and an expertly designed customer funnel, ReputationStacker get more Google reviews for you so you don’t have to do a thing.
The bottom line is that worrying about the number of reviews you have, or the quality of your star rating, shouldn’t have to matter – not when you use a tool that will help your business get more Google reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Many Google Reviews You Need
How many Google reviews do I need to improve my local search results?
While there isn’t a specific number that guarantees better local search results, having a higher number of Google reviews generally improves your visibility. See how your volume of reviews compares to your competition and aim to consistently get more reviews over time to increase your chances of appearing in local search results. If you have few or no competitors in your local market, we typically recommend having at least 20 reviews on your Google My Business listing, at least have of which have been posted in the past couple of months.
Does the number of Google reviews affect my business’s online reputation?
Yes, the number of Google reviews can significantly impact your online reputation. A higher review count often translates to a more positive reputation, making your business more attractive to potential customers. Consistent positive reviews will help build a strong and trustworthy Google Business Profile.
How can I get more positive Google reviews for my local business?
Google prohibits encouraging only satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. This is called ‘review gating’. Instead, you should ask all customers for reviews. Generally speaking, this is actually a better strategy for getting more reviews overall. Yes, some negative reviews that you may not have received otherwise will slip through, but the overall review volume will be much higher, which works to your benefit for visibility in local search.
What should I do if I receive a negative Google review?
Respond to negative reviews professionally and constructively. Address the issues raised and offer solutions or apologies if necessary. This approach helps mitigate the impact of the negative review and demonstrates to potential customers that you are committed to resolving issues and maintaining a positive online reputation.
How important is the average star rating in Google reviews?
The average star rating is crucial as it directly affects your business’s online reputation and attractiveness to potential customers. A higher star rating usually results in a more positive perception, while a lower rating can deter potential customers. Aim for a high average star rating (at least 4.0 stars), but don’t stress over a perfect rating. In fact, a rating over 4.7 stars can actually deter customers from choosing your business, as too high a rating can appear manipulated and unbelievable.
Can other review sites impact my Google reviews?
Reviews on other review sites can’t directly influence your Google reviews, but they do affect your overall online reputation. Positive reviews on various platforms can enhance your business’s credibility, while negative reviews on other sites may impact how potential customers perceive you. Maintain a strong presence on multiple review sites to build a comprehensive positive online reputation.
How do I find my Google review link to encourage more reviews?
You can find your Google review link through your Google Business Profile. Go to the “Home” tab and look for the “Get more reviews” section to obtain the review link. Share this link with customers to make it easier for them to leave a review on your Google review page.
What role do recent reviews play in my online reputation?
Recent reviews are crucial for maintaining a positive online reputation. They show potential customers that your business is currently active and engaged with its customers. Regularly receiving and responding to new reviews helps to keep your business’s Google review page updated and relevant.
How do I manage my Google reviews and other review sites effectively?
Regularly monitor and respond to reviews on your Google review page and other review sites. Address both positive and negative feedback to show that you value customer input. Review software like ReputationStacker helps you get more reviews and manage your online reputation. Maintaining an active review management strategy helps build a strong online reputation and attracts more customers to your local business.
