Despite ongoing algorithm updates and new AI features, reviews remain a major local SEO factor. Google reviews influence search rankings and customer trust, playing a central role in driving engagement. 

Impact 

Well-managed and recent reviews can improve your visibility in the local pack and contribute to higher conversion rates. Businesses that neglect reviews risk being overshadowed by more proactive competitors. 

What You Can Do 

• Encourage Reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave a Google review, highlighting the product and service they received, the name of the employee, photos of the job/product, etc. 

• Respond Regularly: Engage with both positive and negative feedback to show responsiveness. 

• Leverage Review Insights: Use trends in customer feedback to inform service improvements and messaging. 

Investing in your review strategy continues to deliver meaningful returns for local search success.