Why Your Google Reviews Matter More Than You Think (And How to Get More of Them)

If you're a small or medium-sized business in Northeast Indiana, you already know how powerful word-of-mouth can be. But in 2025, that word-of-mouth has gone digital, and it's happening on Google.

Your Google reviews aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential to your success. They affect whether someone trusts you, whether they click on your business, and even whether Google ranks you in the first place.

At Indian Lakes Marketing, we work with local businesses across the region who have amazing reputations, but aren’t showing up in search. Nine times out of ten, a lack of reviews is a major part of the problem.

Here’s why Google reviews matter more than most business owners realize, and how to get more of them the right way.

Google Reviews = Visibility + Trust

1. They directly influence your local SEO rankings

Google has confirmed that reviews, especially the quantity, frequency, and content, are ranking signals. Businesses with more recent, high-quality reviews are more likely to appear:

• In the Google “Map Pack” (the top 3 local results)

• In local searches (e.g., “best electrician in Angola”)

You can optimize your website all day long, but if your competitors have more reviews, they’ll often outrank you.

2. They build instant credibility

Before people click your website, they see your star rating.

• Would you call a plumber with 5 reviews and a 3.6 rating?

• Or the one with 74 reviews and a 4.8?

Even one negative review can be balanced out by consistent, positive feedback. Google is often your first impression, and reviews are your reputation.

3. They drive conversions

A Harvard Business School study found that every additional star in a review rating can increase revenue by 5–9%.

Reviews don’t just get you seen, they get you chosen.

How Many Google Reviews Do You Need?

There’s no magic number, but in most Northeast Indiana markets, you want to aim for 25+ reviews to build baseline credibility, and keep growing from there.

It’s not about gaming the system, it’s about consistently proving you’re active, trustworthy, and serving your community well.

How to Get More Google Reviews (Without Feeling Awkward)

1. Ask happy customers at the right time

Timing matters. The best moment to ask is:

• Right after a great service experience

• When they say something positive to you in person

• When they return for a repeat visit

You can say something simple like:
"Would you mind leaving us a quick review on Google? It really helps other locals find us."

2. Use a direct review link

Don’t make them search for your business. Create a direct link like: https://g.page/r/YOURBUSINESSID/review

To find your unique link:

• Go to your Google Business Profile dashboard

• Click “Ask for Reviews”

• Copy the link and share it by text, email, or QR code

3. Put your review link in your email signature

Every email you send is a chance to collect a review. Add a line like: “Loved working with us? Share your feedback on Google.”

4. Train your staff to ask

If you have a team, train them to ask customers for reviews at key moments. Make it part of your customer service flow, not a last-second ask.

5. Use a review handout or card

Create a small printed card with your review link or QR code and hand it out with receipts or invoices. It's personal, low-pressure, and effective, especially for service businesses.

What to Do About Negative Reviews

No one’s perfect. What matters is how you handle it.

• Always respond professionally.
  Acknowledge the complaint and offer to resolve the issue.

• Don’t get defensive.
  Respond as if future customers are reading (because they are).

• Show care and action.
  A well-handled bad review can actually build trust.

And remember: one bad review isn’t a deal-breaker, but ignoring it is.

Real Review Results from Local Businesses

• A boutique in LaGrange doubled its weekly foot traffic after going from 7 reviews to 40

• A mobile car detailer in Noble County went from invisible to top 3 in Google Maps by building up consistent reviews over 3 months

• A local landscaper used QR codes on his invoices and collected 15 reviews in one season, leading to new client calls every week

These aren’t massive campaigns, just smart, consistent outreach.

Final Tips for Getting (and Keeping) Great Reviews

• Don’t offer incentives. Google may penalize you if you give discounts or free items in exchange for reviews.

• Be consistent. 2 new reviews a month is better than 10 at once and then none for 6 months.

• Follow up. A gentle reminder is okay. People are busy, they forget.

Want Help Generating More 5-Star Reviews?

At Indian Lakes Marketing, we help Northeast Indiana businesses:

• Create smart review request systems

• Improve Google Business Profiles

• Grow trust and visibility with minimal cost

If you’re ready to start showing up in search and getting picked more often, we’re here to help.

Let’s build your reputation, one 5-star review at a time.

Schedule a Free Local Visibility Audit