Reviews and Engagement
What it means: Online reviews are one of the most powerful local SEO signals. Google sees them as proof of trust, credibility, and user satisfaction. The more high-quality, relevant reviews your business has—especially with keywords and local context—the better your chances of ranking in the local Map Pack.
But reviews aren’t just for show. They directly influence how potential customers perceive your business. According to BrightLocal, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses—and most of them won’t consider a company with a rating below 4 stars.
How engagement plays a role: Engagement refers to how users interact with your Google Business Profile and website. Do they click to call? Do they visit your site, ask questions, or leave reviews? Google tracks this behavior. The more engagement your listing receives, the more important Google assumes your business is to local searchers—and the higher you’re likely to rank.
How siloed pages help:
When you build siloed pages for each service or location, you can also feature localized reviews directly on those pages. For example, on your “Mold Remediation in Norfolk, VA” page, you can display real customer testimonials from clients in that exact area. This gives both Google and human visitors hyper-relevant proof that you’re trusted in that region—and that reinforces your local authority.
You can also boost engagement by linking each silo page directly to your Google review page, including clear calls to action like:
“Love our service? Leave us a review on Google!”
Or embedding an FAQ section where customers can see real questions and responses about your services, which keeps them on your site longer and encourages interaction.
DIY Tips to Boost Reviews & Engagement:
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Ask at the right time: Right after completing a service (when your customer is most satisfied), send a quick text or email asking for a review. Include the direct link to your Google Business review form to make it easy.
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Use a QR code: Print a QR code on business cards, invoices, or receipts that links directly to your review page. Perfect for in-person businesses.
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Respond to every review—good and bad. Thank happy customers and address complaints professionally. Google values active engagement, and so do potential customers.
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Include keywords in your responses when appropriate (e.g., “Thanks for choosing us for roof repair in Chesapeake!”). This can help reinforce your local SEO signals.
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Create a “Review Us” page on your site and link to it from emails, newsletters, and social media. This page can explain how and why reviews matter—and make it super simple for customers to leave one.
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Encourage photo reviews if possible. Images make reviews more engaging and trustworthy, and they stand out in your Google listing.
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Leverage third-party platforms like Yelp, Facebook, and industry-specific directories (like Healthgrades, Avvo, Houzz, or TripAdvisor) to diversify your review profile. Just make sure they’re relevant to your audience.
Pro tip: If you have a multi-location business, make sure customers are reviewing the right location listing. Google ranks each location separately, so local reviews need to match the address and services for that specific branch.
In a nutshell, reviews and engagement are like rocket fuel for your local SEO. They’re one of the few ranking factors you can’t fake—and one of the fastest ways to build trust online. Combine them with siloed content, local keywords, and consistent NAP info, and you’ve got a recipe for long-term visibility and growth.