Benefits of Google reviews
Google reviews are ratings, between 1-5 stars, left on a business Google listing based on individuals’ experience with the business. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to drive leads and gain trust within your local geographic area; however, listings with a higher volume of reviews will appear first in the local search for particular keywords. Google determines the ranking position in Google Maps by the number of reviews, the average ratings, and the user’s geographic location to the business.
Benefits of Google Reviews for Healthcare Providers
Online reviews are a powerful way that a patient can evaluate a local healthcare provider after interacting with them. Here are some benefits of Google reviews:
1. Increase Brand trust
To help build trust, many patients research healthcare providers before purchasing products or using their services. About 88% of individuals will perform an online research to determine whether or not they should use your services. Much of that research is completed on Google reviews. Patients trust positive reviews the same way they trust word of mouth and will trust your services more than otherwise if reviews are positive.
2. Increase online exposure
Google reviews impact healthcare providers’ local search ranking. The more Google reviews present on a listing, the better your listing performs with the Google Map algorithm. A Google review shows the authentic opinion of the customers, and Google wants to show that information. If a provider has a lot of 5-star reviews, Google will show the provider’s listings whenever a patient searches a relevant term.
According to Moz, about 9% of Google search algorithm is driven by review signals – quantity, velocity, and diversity. These signals help your clinic rise to the top of Google local search results. Reviews help listings appear in the Map Pack, which shows the nearest provider based on your location.
3. Improve click-through rates on your website
When your clinic shows up on the Google search engine with reviews, users will click through to your website. Google reviews show up next to the listing name. Having a sufficient amount of Google reviews will increase click-through to your website. Listings with higher overall star ratings tend to see up to a 35% higher click-through rate.
4. Google reviews can convert potential patients
Google reviews are powerful enough to convert potential patients. Healthcare providers with 4.2 ratings and above should advertise these reviews so that more people can read what patients are saying.