Why Your Business Google Reviews Improve SEO Rankings

When most people think of SEO, they picture keywords, backlinks, and technical optimization. But in today’s search landscape, Google Reviews have emerged as one of the most influential ranking factors—especially for local businesses. If I had to estimate, I’d say Google weighs your reviews at around 30% of your local SEO score. That’s massive right?

Matthew Says:
"As your SEO specialist, Matthew Lester Website Design's goal is to maximize your website’s performance. While SEO has its limits, the strategy I’m recommending here has the potential to significantly boost your sales and Google ranking—often surpassing the results of traditional paid advertising, including Google Ads. This approach represents a new and emerging development in Google Search Engine Optimization. As of 2025, most SEO professionals have yet to fully grasp its potential. Trust me—leveraging this now will give you a significant competitive edge. Experts still think backlinks work primarily for SEO , THEY DON'T! So if you are paying a 3rd party to build you off site links... STOP wasting your $$. Pay attention to your Google Reviews instead. Get more of them, as often as possible, and responding kindly to every single one. Its all about Google's user experience, and the data Google can collect on its own platform. So listen up..."

Why Google Reviews Matter for SEO

Google’s algorithm is designed to reflect real-world trust signals, and what better source than feedback from actual customers? Unlike traditional SEO tactics, reviews are user-generated content hosted directly on Google’s platform, making them highly trustworthy and difficult to manipulate.

But it’s not just the reviews themselves that matter—it’s how you respond to them. Google evaluates both the content of the review and the business owner’s response. This interaction helps Google understand your customer service quality, responsiveness, and professionalism.

As a consumer, I always read the 1- and 2-star reviews first. Why? Because I want to see how a business handles adversity. A thoughtful, respectful response to a negative review can build more trust than a dozen five-star ratings.

How to Get More Google Reviews

1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

   • This is where reviews are posted and indexed by Google.

2. Ask Consistently

   • The more reviews you get over time, the more active and trustworthy your business appears.

3. Use Email Campaigns

   • Send follow-ups asking for reviews after purchases or services.

4. Print QR Codes

   • Link directly to your review page and place them on receipts, business cards, posters, and packaging. Use adobe to create one QR code creator

5. Leverage Social Media

   • Share your review link across platforms.

6. Add Review Links to Your Website

   • Include them in your footer or homepage.

7. Ask Verbally

   • A simple, polite request after a transaction can go a long way.

GET your Google Business direct link for reviews, follow these steps:

If You Have a Google Business Profile:

1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile at business.google.com.
2. Select your business if you manage multiple.
3. In the dashboard, look for the “Home” tab.
4. Scroll to the section labeled “Get more reviews”.
5. You’ll see a “Share review form” button or a link — this is your direct review link.
   • It typically looks like:
     https://g.page/[your-business-name]/review

If you are currently a Shopify Tech Support subscriber of mine, I can find this LINK for you (most likely it is already on your homepage above the footer) and give you a custom QR CODE for advertising,  just email me. matthew@matthewlesterwebsitedesign.com

✅ The DOs of Responding to Google Reviews

• Respond to Every Review
  Google expects engagement. Whether it’s praise or criticism, reply professionally.

• Be Friendly and Positive
  Thank the customer and make them feel appreciated.

• Personalize Your Response
  Use their name and reference specific details from their experience. Look up their order if you need to.

• Include SEO Keywords Naturally
  Mention your services or products using the same keywords your site is optimized for.

• Make It Lengthy and Thoughtful
  Aim for at least 100 words. Longer responses show effort and care.

• Respond Promptly
  Ideally within 24–72 hours. Timeliness signals attentiveness.

• Stay Compliant
  Avoid sharing personal data or violating privacy policies.

❌ The DON’Ts of Responding to Reviews

• Don’t Get Defensive
  Even if the review feels unfair, stay calm and constructive.

• Don’t Use Generic Replies
  “Thanks for your business” isn’t enough. Make it meaningful.

• Don’t Offer Incentives for Reviews
  This violates Google’s policies and can get reviews removed.

• Don’t Ignore Negative Reviews
  Silence implies indifference. Address concerns professionally.

• Don’t Reveal Sensitive Info
  Never include phone numbers, addresses, or private details.

• Don’t Get Emotional or Aggressive
  Avoid profanity, threats, or retaliatory language.

• Don’t Ask for Clarification Publicly
  If a review is vague, respond with grace. Not every customer will elaborate.

Clean Up Past Mistakes

If you’ve responded poorly to reviews in the past, go back and revise them. Just like customers can edit their reviews, you can update your responses. A well-crafted reply can turn a negative impression into a positive one.

How Google Moderates Reviews

Google uses a complex algorithm to determine which reviews stay visible. Factors include:

• Reviewer’s account history
• IP address proximity
• Review diversity (positive vs. negative)
• Duplicate or bot-like behavior
• Use of inappropriate language

So yes, some negative reviews may disappear over time—but don’t count on it. Your best defense is a strong, professional response.

Matthew's Final Thoughts

Your Google reviews—and how you respond to them—can be the difference between ranking on page one or page ten. As AI tools increasingly rely on Google data to answer consumer queries, your review strategy becomes even more critical.

Follow these guidelines, and you’ll not only improve your SEO—you’ll build a reputation that keeps customers coming back and leaving those coveted 5-star reviews.

May the SEO gods be with you!

Let me help you join the future. Together, we’ll build a digital presence that reflects your brand, reaches new customers, and drives real growth.

Not on the Shopify Platform yet? As a Shopify Partner I can offer:
a Shopify website trial plan for FREE, then enjoy 3 months for $1 (click for details)

About the Author

Matthew Lester (Mathew/Mateo) is an accomplished 21+ year eCommerce professional with over 9 years of experience specializing in Shopify store management, digital marketing, and design. Offers end-to-end support including SEO, UX optimization, analytics, app integration, and technical troubleshooting. Known for driving traffic and improving conversions. Also skilled in graphic design, photography, and business consulting such as how to respond to negative Google reviews for SEO.



Matthew Lester Website Design
Shopify/SEO Expert & Graphic Designer
"Building you a better website."