Contact Us
Do Reviews Boost Local Search Rankings?
G’day, I’m Leigh Reading, founder of Onside Online. Over the past decade, I’ve helped countless tradespeople and small business owners across Australia and beyond grow their businesses through smart, results-driven digital marketing. One of the most overlooked yet powerful tools in your local SEO toolkit? Online reviews.​

Why Reviews Matter for Local SEO

When someone searches for a service like “plumber near me” or “best electrician in Brisbane,” Google uses three main factors to decide which businesses to show:​

  1. Relevance – How closely your business matches the search.​

  2. Distance – How close your business is to the searcher.​

  3. Prominence – How well-known and trusted your business is.​

Reviews directly influence prominence. According to Google, both the number of reviews and your average star rating can improve your local ranking .​

How Reviews Boost Your Local Rankings

Here’s how reviews help your business climb the local search ladder:

1. Increased Visibility in the Local Pack

The “Local Pack” is the map and list of businesses that appear at the top of Google’s local search results. Businesses with more positive reviews are more likely to appear here, giving you prime real estate in search results .​

2. Improved Click-Through Rates

A high star rating and positive reviews make your listing more attractive, increasing the likelihood that potential customers will click on your business.​

3. Fresh Content Signals

Regularly receiving new reviews signals to Google that your business is active and engaging with customers, which can positively impact your rankings.​

4. Keyword-Rich Content

Customers often use relevant keywords in their reviews (e.g., “emergency plumber,” “affordable electrician”), which can help your business appear in searches for those terms.​

5. Trust and Social Proof

Positive reviews build trust with potential customers, making them more likely to choose your business over competitors.

Tips for Getting More Reviews (the Right Way)

Here’s how to encourage more reviews without violating Google’s policies:​

  • Ask Promptly – Request a review soon after completing a job, while the experience is fresh.​

  • Make It Easy – Provide direct links to your Google Business Profile or other review platforms.​

  • Be Transparent – Encourage honest feedback without offering incentives, as incentivizing reviews can lead to penalties .​

  • Respond to Reviews – Engage with both positive and negative reviews to show that you value customer feedback.

Real-World Impact

Consider this: a Harvard Business School study found that a one-star increase in a Yelp rating can lead to a 5–9% increase in revenue . While this study focuses on Yelp, the principle applies across review platforms. Positive reviews can significantly impact your bottom line.

In Summary

At Onside Online, we specialise in helping tradespeople and small business owners like you enhance their online presence. From optimising your Google Business Profile to implementing effective review strategies, we’re here to help you climb the local search rankings and attract more customers.​

Ready to take your business to the next level? Get in touch with us today, and let’s start building your online reputation together.

Leigh from Onside Online