In 2011, Google changed how reviews are listed on Google My Business, formerly known as Google Places For Business. The result of this change is that only customer business reviews left on Google were visible in Google My Business listings. This resulted in a shift in visibility for businesses that had received a majority of their positive reviews in places other than on Google.
Consequently, many businesses started a strategy focusing primarily on getting customers to post positive reviews on their Google listing, and many have even gone as far as buying fake reviews. While this may seem sensible at first glance, it ignores what the experts say about Google business reviews and just because you see other people getting away with it doesn't mean you can or should.
Raking a website on Google is all about 'TRUST'. And just like Amazon, Google will not stand by and let "a fly in the ointment" damage their reputation. Make no mistake. Google doesn't like businesses that pay for reviews and it's only a matter of time before they put your site in the box.
Looking Beyond Customer Reviews for Ranking Highly in Google My Business Listing
Google algorithms are designed to promote businesses that provide exactly what customers are looking for. Positive reviews are only part of the equation in determining which businesses should be most visible. The other major part of the equation is quality site links to and from other local businesses.
The key to a successful local business strategy is having clear, relevant and keyword-rich content that delivers the right message with power and conviction. Just as importantly, a business listing receives more visibility when it has been backlinked by highly ranked local businesses. Getting these backlinks can be challenging and time-consuming for businesses that don't have the connections. A professional link building service is the ideal way to raise a Google business ranking through backlinks.
Honest reviews are important and should not be ignored as part of a strategy for gaining visibility, but they can't be the entirety of the strategy. A meaningful strategy must incorporate high-quality backlinks from relevant, high profile local venues.
