Getting Google Reviews

May 15, 2018

WORD OF MOUTH IN THE DIGITAL AGE

The Critical Importance of Online Reviews on Google

First in a Series of (at least) Two Articles

Word of mouth marketing is as old as language itself. Og is likely to have asked Mook who he knows that makes the best hunting spears. Admittedly, there is no written record of this, but the point is people seek purchasing advice from people that have had a positive experience with the product or service provider.

 

And in this digital age, where does present-day Og go for shopping guidance? You guessed it … Google. That’s where today’s word of mouth marketing is focused in the form of online reviews by customers sharing their best and worst experiences.

Local search engine optimization (SEO) is heavily influenced by online reviews from crowd-sourced online review sites like Google Maps, TripAdvisor and Angie’s List – among others. These sources of online reviews are incredibly easy to access via mobile apps, search engines and postings featured on popular social media platforms like Facebook.

Takeaway: The more reviews you enjoy on these sites drive a greater probability of your business ranking on the first page of Google. Here are just a few research results from Bright Local that underscore the critical importance of online reviews on Google

Key Findings

  • 97% of consumers looked online for local businesses in 2017, with 12% looking for a local business online every day
  • 85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
  • Positive reviews make 73% of consumers trust a local business more
  • 49% of consumers need at least a four-star rating before they choose to use a business

These conclusions are huge especially for small/mid-size businesses (SMB) striving to thrive in local markets. The first line of inquiry by consumers is to seek info online and to rely on the accuracy of online reviews from strangers as strongly as from a trusted friend.

Think about it … When you look for a local business, you have probably compared companies online. If one business has one 3-star review that described a mediocre experience, and a second company has a 4.6 star review across 25 reviews – most of which talk about a great experience – which company would you call?

Here’s an example of the kind of glowing reports you’d prefer when your business shows up in a Google search.

Now What?

OK. You’re sold! Online reviews are the “holy grail” of digital marketing success. So what are you doing about it … and if your answer is little or nothing … why not?

There’s an old story of a politician who lost a local election by just one vote. When she found out that a neighbor and old family friend cast the deciding ballot that led to her defeat, she was both frustrated and dismayed. When asked why, the voter replied “It would have been different if you asked me for my support.”

So what has that got to do with the topic at hand? Consider a recent study that strongly suggests businesses are missing a major opportunity by not asking customers to leave reviews. This is even more distressing when 77 percent of consumers agreed they would leave an online review if prompted by a local business . In contrast, only 13 percent of SMBs ask customers for their online feedback .

What a shame to miss multiple golden opportunities to engage with brand advocates and help them share their experiences online. BTW, 61% of consumers say they leave online reviews in order to help others, so the willingness to participate is clear.

Reasons SMBs Don’t Ask for Online Reviews

Experience points to two major reasons why SMBs don’t pursue requests for online reviews from customers.

  • Fear of negative reviews, and
  • Lack of internal process to request, monitor and respond to reviews.

Fear of negative reviews should be viewed through the prism of “it ain’t a perfect world”. You can’t and won’t please everyone. The positive side of that is it’s OK. Your business would not be perceived as authentic if all reviews described a bed of roses. Your job is to work hard to provide the kind of customer experiences that result in good reviews outweighing the less-than-good.

Now here’s a counter-intuitive thought … Bad Reviews Make Good Reviews Look Better ! A study by Harvard Business School found the majority of consumers trust reviews more when they see a mix of good and bad feedback. If the feedback is entirely positive, 95 percent believe the reviews are fake or company-screened.

When you show all reviews, you demonstrate that you have nothing to hide. As a matter of fact, they highlight the fact that all of your reviews are the “real-deal”.

There is a definite payoff for SMBs that pay attention to negative reviews … gaining insight to how to be more successful in satisfying customer expectations. Case in point … a study revealed that the single most commonly expressed word in negative reviews is “disappointment” or “disappointed”. The second most used negative word, “bad”, appeared only one-third as often.

Unfulfilled expectations spawn disappointment. So future negative reviews can be minimized by better communicating to customers what they should expect, e.g. delivery times, reliability and willingness to stand by your product or promised service.

Additionally, proactively responding to negative reviews with a goal to resolve the issue illustrates your commitment to a potential customer that you genuinely care about client satisfaction. In one study, bad reviews – appropriately handled – increased conversion by 67%.

Lack of internal process to request, monitor and respond to reviews is a very real impediment for most SMBs. It requires diligent, nimble, proactive monitoring and execution to prevail in the competitive arena of being on the first page of Google.

 

What To Do … And How To Do It!

Hopefully, you are now committed to maximizing your digital marketing results by initiating and executing a strategy to aggressively invite customer online reviews and monitor and respond to results.

Now your choices are do-it-yourself or invest in professional SEO management services. In next month’s companion article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each avenue.

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Third Marble Marketing - Google Ads & SEO Tips, Tricks and Case Studies

By Alex Huibsch March 3, 2026
RICHMOND, VA – Third Marble Marketing is pleased to announce that its agency division, Third Marble for Agencies, has been named a Top Google Ads Whitelabel Service Provider for 2026 by Manage Marketing . This recognition highlights the company’s role in helping marketing agencies scale by providing expert, process-driven Google Ads management. The feature in Manage Marketing focuses on Third Marble’s ability to eliminate the technical overhead and staffing challenges often associated with digital advertising. By offering a "wholesale" approach to Google Ads, the company allows partner agencies to provide high-level results to their clients under their own brand. "Our mission has always been to make expert-level digital marketing accessible," said Chris Fawcett, Founder of Third Marble Marketing. "This award validates our commitment to providing the systems and transparency that agencies need to grow their client bases without increasing their internal workload." The recognition specifically points to Third Marble’s data-driven methodology and consistent performance as key factors in their selection. As the digital landscape becomes increasingly complex, Third Marble remains dedicated to providing the reliable, professional service that earned this distinction.  For more information on Third Marble for Agencies and our award-winning whitelabel services, please visit Third Marble for Agencies .
By Alex Huibsch February 26, 2026
We’re excited to announce that Third Marble Marketing and our founder, Chris Fawcett, are featured in the latest issue of Visionary CIOs magazine. The publication officially named us a "Top Google Ads Management Service for Small Businesses Seeking Growth." They also put Chris on the cover to talk about how we’re changing the game in digital advertising. A Better Way to Help Small Businesses The Visionary CIOs feature breaks down the "assembly line" approach we’ve used since 2009. Moreover, we’ve always believed that high-level digital strategy shouldn't be out of reach for small-to-medium enterprises. By applying lean process improvements to Google Ads and SEO, we’ve found a way to bridge the gap between expensive agency results and small business budgets. This award reflects our focus on transparency. Many agencies rely on high overhead and restrictive contracts, but we’ve maintained a 95% client retention rate by focusing on data and results rather than long-term obligations. Insights from the Feature The article dives into Chris’s take on the current digital landscape. One point he often makes is that a website is basically a dormant asset if you don't have a strategy to drive traffic to it. He famously compares an unpromoted site to printing a stack of business cards but never actually handing them out to anyone. This recognition also highlights how our internal systems allow us to offer expert Google Ads management at a price point that makes sense for smaller companies. At the end of the day, this award validates our goal, which is to help small businesses get their fair share of the digital marketplace through professional, disciplined ad management. A Quick Thank You While this is a big milestone for our leadership, it’s really a reflection of our team’s hard work and the trust our clients put in us every day. We’re staying focused on the professional service that earned this recognition in the first place. We invite you to read the Full Feature in Visionary CIOs to see where we’re taking Google Ads management next.
By Ryan Brunt February 26, 2026
Third Marble Marketing Is Proud To Announce That We Are A 2026 Google Premier Partner!
By Alex Huibsch January 23, 2026
Client Overview In this case study, we highlight a company specializing in foundation and structural inspections, dedicated to giving homeowners confidence about the condition of their homes. Further, Google Ads played a central role in generating qualified inbound leads, helping the business connect with homeowners actively seeking expert inspection services. The Challenge The client already had Google Ads generating leads, but the website itself was minimal. For instance, the company’s services were not clearly organized, navigation was minimal, and there were few visual or trust-based elements to support paid traffic. The goal of the project was to improve the website experience without disrupting existing Google Ads performance. Because paid traffic was already producing leads, a full redesign carried the risk of reduced conversions if not executed carefully. The Solution In February, ReDoSites (under Third Marble Marketing) launched a strategic website redesign focused on clarity, organization, and conversion support. Nathan Lee, ReDoSites Team Lead, stated, “I organized their services into a services tab on the navigation bar, which made the types of inspections much more obvious. I also added visual elements to clearly show what services were offered, along with a ‘Why Choose Us’ section and customer testimonials. The goal was to make the site clearer, more organized, and more visually engaging. The previous site was very bare bones. We also included pricing to help set expectations.” Key Improvements The site navigation was restructured to clearly group and display all inspection services under a dedicated ‘Services’ tab, making the full scope of offerings immediately obvious to visitors arriving from Google Ads. Visual elements were also introduced to reinforce service clarity and help users quickly understand the types of inspections available without relying solely on text. As a result, friction for first-time visitors was reduced, allowing for faster and more intuitive decision-making. To further support conversions, trust and credibility were strengthened through the addition of a ‘Why Choose Us’ section and customer testimonials. Pricing information was also included to set expectations early and help qualify leads before initial contact. Overall, the redesign transformed a limited website into a structured, organized, and conversion-supportive experience designed specifically to complement paid traffic. Results Google Ads performance remained strong and consistent before and after the website launch, validating that the redesign supported conversions rather than disrupting them. Before the Redesign In the initial period, the campaign generated 2 conversions from 31 clicks, with a cost per conversion of $180 and total ad spend of $360.
By Alex Huibsch January 16, 2026
Standing out online is no longer just about publishing more content. It is about creating experiences that invite users to engage. Interactive content such as quizzes, polls, and infographics can turn passive visitors into active participants, helping businesses increase engagement, time spent on site, and most importantly, conversions. What Is Interactive Content? Interactive content is any type of content that requires user input to deliver value. Instead of simply reading and leaving, users click, answer, or explore. This small shift creates a more memorable experience and encourages users to stay connected with your brand longer. How Quizzes Drive Engagement Quizzes work because they feel personal. When users answer a few targeted questions and receive a customized result, the content feels relevant rather than generic. This makes quizzes effective for evaluating marketing readiness, identifying service needs, or highlighting opportunities for improvement. Quizzes can also serve as lead generation tools. By delivering results via email, businesses gain valuable insight into their audience while providing clear and useful next steps. Why Polls Encourage Participation Polls remove friction from engagement. They are quick, simple, and easy to complete, making them ideal for blog posts, email campaigns, and social media platforms. Even a single click can create a sense of involvement and help users feel heard. Beyond engagement, polls provide direct feedback that can help shape future content, services, and messaging strategies. The Value of Interactive Infographics Interactive infographics allow users to explore information at their own pace. Instead of presenting everything at once, content is revealed through clicks or scrolling. This approach makes complex topics easier to understand and keeps users engaged longer. They are especially effective for explaining processes, comparing services, or breaking down data-heavy topics in a more digestible way. Using Interactive Content in Marketing Campaigns Interactive Content is most effective when it is part of a comprehensive marketing strategy. Embedding quizzes and polls into service pages can increase time on site, while interactive landing pages often perform better in paid campaigns. On social media, interactive formats help boost visibility and engagement without requiring additional content creation. Why Interactive Content Works Interactive content creates a two-way experience. Instead of talking at users, it invites them into a conversation. That participation builds trust, increases retention, and improves overall campaign performance. Engagement That Drives Real Results Interactive content is a powerful way to increase engagement without increasing content volume. By encouraging participation, businesses can create more meaningful connections with their audience and drive better results from their marketing efforts. If you’re ready to refresh and improve your content strategy, our Internet Marketing Service helps create engaging experiences that turn attention into action. Contact us today to get started!
By Alex Huibsch December 10, 2025
A Virginia spa partnered with Third Marble Marketing to improve local visibility and attract more qualified clients. When they signed up for our Local SEO Services in September 2025, the spa had 20 online business listings and a limited presence in local search results.
By Alex Huibsch December 8, 2025
Managing local search for multiple locations comes down to clarity, consistency, and giving Google reliable information for every place you operate. When each Google BusinessProfile (GBP) is complete and accurately reflects its location, your visibility strengthens across all markets. Build Each Google Business Profile Properly Every location needs its own fully built profile, including the correct business name, address, hours, services, photos, and a simple description of what that location offers. Treat each profile as its own storefront. For instance, someone landing on it should immediately understand who you are, what you do there, and when you’re open. Use Location-Specific Landing Pages It’s important to link each profile to a page dedicated to that physical office (not a general “locations” page or your home page). A real location page helps Google clearly connect the profile to the city, team, and service area it represents. Create a Consistent Review Process Request reviews for each individual location. If a business has many offices, but only one pool of general reviews, your business will look disconnected. Consequently, this is why having separate and authentic reviews tied to each address is imperative, as they help boost trust and the perception of real presence. Keep Each Profile Active Regular posts, updated photos, and occasional promotions signal that the profile is maintained. Additionally, try to spread updates out over time for steady activity rather than large batches all at once. Ensure Local Citations Match Your name, address, and phone number need to appear the same everywhere online. Consistency builds confidence with Google. Inconsistencies create doubt and weaken your visibility. Publish Location-Focused Content Create content that reflects the cities you serve (e.g., guides, service explanations, FAQs, or project examples tied to specific neighborhoods). Localized content increases relevance for people searching in that area. What Not To Do: Avoid Fake or Unstaffed Locations Do not create listings for places where you don’t actually operate. Virtual offices, co-working spaces, PO boxes, and similar setups will not hold up in the long term. Moreover, Google identifies them quickly, competitors report them, and the risk to your valid locations isn’t worth it. If you don’t serve customers at a real, staffed address, skip the listing and strengthen your location pages and service area content instead. The Bottom Line Multi-location businesses succeed in local search by treating every location as legitimate and distinct while keeping brand information consistent. Real locations, real pages, real reviews, and real activity build the signals Google rewards. Need Support Managing Multiple Locations? Our Internet Marketing Service specializes in local SEO and GBP optimization for businesses with multiple locations. We handle profiles, landing pages, and local content so every location performs at its best. Schedule a call with us today to get started!
By Alex Huibsch November 19, 2025
Recent developments following federal court rulings suggest that many businesses that have purchased Google Ads may be eligible to recover a significant portion of their past advertising expenditures. Third Marble Marketing is bringing this information to your attention, as many of our clients fall into the potentially eligible category. Here is a breakdown of what has happened and how it may affect your business. The Google Ads Compensation Claim Multiple courts have recently ruled that Google engaged in anti-competitive and unlawful behavior related to the operation of its search and display advertising platforms. Experts say this conduct essentially inflated the cost of Google Ads above what it should have been. Consequently, the law firm Keller Postman, co-founded by Ashley Keller and Warren Postman, is launching a coordinated legal effort to help businesses like yours recoup these alleged overpayments. Key Facts for Eligibility If you’ve run Google Ads campaigns, here are the key details you need to know: Who is Eligible? Any business, large or small, that purchased Google Search or Display ads on or after August 2016. Potential Recovery: Companies that file a successful claim could recover up to 30% of their total Google Ads spend since August 2016. Cost Structure: Keller Postman, the law firm handling these claims, works on a contingency basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront, and they only get paid if they win compensation for you. Act on Your Claim Today This claim is about recovering money that should have been yours in the past. As always, we’re up to date on all things Google and are committed to sharing information relevant to your success, especially when it means there's a significant opportunity for you to recover funds! Your most important step right now is immediate action, so please check your eligibility here . How Third Marble Can Help This situation demonstrates the value of having an expert partner manage your campaigns. Since we already manage your Google Ads, we can easily provide your total historical spend to support a claim. Just email your Account Manager or our general support email to request this data. Not a current client? We'd be happy to discuss taking Google Ads management off your plate so you can focus on your business. You can start by scheduling a call with us for a Free Google Ads Audit ! Please note: Third Marble Marketing is providing this information so you don't miss out on a potential financial recovery. We are not a law firm and are not providing legal advice. The compensation claim process is being managed entirely by the Keller Postman law firm. Please review their materials and direct any legal questions to them.
By Alex Huibsch November 14, 2025
The successful management of local SEO requires consistent effort across all digital channels. While foundational elements, such as categorical optimization and review management, are critical, many local businesses overlook the high-impact, immediate potential of Google Posts within their Google Business Profile (GBP). Google Posts transform a basic business listing into a dynamic asset, providing timely, relevant updates that appear prominently in Google Search and Maps results. This oversight represents a significant missed opportunity to generate qualified traffic and enhance customer engagement. With our internet marketing service , we emphasize the strategic necessity of utilizing every tool provided. Moreover, this blog details how local businesses can effectively employ Google Posts to maximize profile visibility, highlight proprietary offers, and establish continuous relevance. These are simple methods to gain an advantage over your competition, so do not miss out! 1. Maximizing Conversion Potential with Explicit CTAs The Google Post format is specifically designed to facilitate direct user action. Unlike static directory listings or standard social media feeds, every post features a mandatory Call-to-Action (CTA) button, which immediately channels user interest toward a desired conversion endpoint. Strategic Linking: The efficacy of your CTA hinges on directing the user to the precise location. For example, a post announcing a new service must link directly to that service page, not the general homepage. Utilize targeted CTA options such as "Order Online," "Book Now," or "Sign Up." Performance Insight: Clicks originating from Google Posts represent high-intent interactions. This elevated user activity reinforces the relevance of your website to Google's algorithms and effectively streamlines the customer journey from a search query to a completed action. 2. Strategic Utilization of Dedicated Post Types for Prominence Google provides specialized Post formats (Offer and Event) engineered to confer immediate visibility and introduce a critical element of urgency into your marketing communications. Promotional Clarity (Offers): The "Offer" type should be reserved for structured sales, coupons, or time-bound discounts. This format allows the inclusion of specific expiration dates, coupon codes and is visually distinguished by a "View Offer" badge on the profile, compelling immediate customer engagement. Schedule Management (Events): Employ the "Event" type for planned occurrences such as extended holiday hours, workshops, or community functions. Events remain active until their conclusion, ensuring persistent visibility and allowing users to plan their attendance accordingly. Operational Note: Given their typically short lifespan (often seven days), Google Posts must be reserved for communicating current, time-sensitive information, which necessitates consistent and proactive profile management. 3. Maintaining Profile Vitality and Algorithmic Relevance Consistent content generation through Google Posts is essential for maintaining a robust and competitive Google Business Profile. Active and regular posting demonstrates operational reliability, a factor highly valued by both searchers and search engine algorithms. Visual Integrity: Posts must always incorporate high-resolution images or video. Compelling media serves as the primary gateway for user engagement and maintains the freshness of your profile’s visual assets. Keyword Reinforcement: The copy of your post offers valuable space to naturally integrate relevant keywords and localized geographical mentions that substantiate the primary services detailed on your profile. This directly strengthens your ranking signals within local search results. Engagement Metrics: A consistently updated profile intrinsically attracts a higher volume of views, clicks, and inbound calls, thereby establishing a beneficial cycle of sustained local visibility and trust. By implementing a disciplined strategy for the creation and deployment of focused Google Posts with clear CTAs, your organization can significantly amplify its local search visibility and secure measurable, high-value leads. This practice is an essential component of professional Local SEO management. Elevate Your Local SEO Strategy It's no secret that developing and maintaining consistent, high-impact content requires dedicated resources that may detract from your primary responsibilities as a business owner. If the continuous management of a strategic posting schedule presents a challenge, outsourcing this function is a prudent solution. This is why our experienced team at Third Marble Marketing strives to deliver affordable, comprehensive Local SEO Services , ensuring your Google Business Profile remains optimally active and competitive. Contact us today to Schedule An Expert Consultation and optimize your local SEO strategy!
By Alex Huibsch October 22, 2025
When it comes to Google Business Profiles , most local businesses focus on reviews, hours, and keywords. However, there’s another ranking factor quietly influencing local SEO: customer-uploaded photos. These authentic, user-generated images can boost engagement, trust, and visibility all without costing you a dime. Why Customer Photos Matter for Local SEO Google’s algorithm measures how users interact with your profile. Profiles with frequent photo uploads—especially from customers—signal that the business is active, popular, and relevant. According to Google, listings with photos receive more clicks, requests for directions, and calls than those without. When customers upload photos, it adds credibility that business-posted images can’t fully match. Each new photo also increases engagement opportunities. Users are more likely to explore your listing when they see real experiences rather than stock or promotional images. That engagement loop (e.g., clicks, zooms, shares, etc.) tells Google your business deserves higher visibility in local search results and Maps. How to Encourage Customer Photo Uploads Ask at the Right Time: Prompt happy customers to share photos right after a great experience. A simple “We’d love to see your photos on Google!” can go a long way. Include It in Your Follow-Up Emails: Add a short line and link to your profile, encouraging customers to upload images with their review. Incentivize Without Violating Policies: You can’t offer discounts for reviews, but you can spotlight customer photos on your social media or website to motivate participation. Create Photo-Worthy Moments: Make sure your space, signage, and products are visually appealing and well-lit. Customers are more likely to post photos when there’s something worth capturing. Engage with Uploaded Photos: Like and respond to reviews with photos, and share them (with credit) across your channels. Engagement encourages others to contribute! The Bottom Line Customer photos aren’t just nice additions. They’re engagement drivers that can improve your Google Business Profile’s visibility. By fostering authentic photo uploads, you’re helping Google (and potential customers) see your business as vibrant and trustworthy. At Third Marble Marketing, we specialize in optimizing Google Business Profiles and other local SEO strategies to help businesses thrive. If you're ready to leverage customer photos and other proven tactics for better visibility with our Internet Marketing Service , contact us today for a free consultation. Let's transform your local presence into lasting success!