Google Pushes GMB Reviews for Ranking

If Google could shout one GMB ranking tip from the rooftops, they’d be yelling: “Get more reviews!” and to make sure you do, they’re now generating QR codes for your GMB review page. That means no more hoping customers remember to leave feedback—just show them the QR code, let them scan, and watch the stars roll in. You can access this on desktop by searching for your business, then clicking on "Ask for reviews" or by going to your reviews and clicking on "Get more reviews." But collecting reviews is only half the battle– the reviews also need to be optimized for you to get the most out of them. That’s why we compiled a list of our most important tips to optimize your reviews so you can take it a step further!

Mar 7, 2025

If Google could shout one GMB ranking tip from the rooftops, they’d be yelling: “Get more reviews!” and to make sure you do, they’re now generating QR codes for your GMB review page. That means no more hoping customers remember to leave feedback—just show them the QR code, let them scan, and watch the stars roll in. You can access this on desktop by searching for your business, then clicking on "Ask for reviews" or by going to your reviews and clicking on "Get more reviews." But collecting reviews is only half the battle– the reviews also need to be optimized for you to get the most out of them. That’s why we compiled a list of our most important tips to optimize your reviews so you can take it a step further!

Expert Tips Optimize Your GMB Reviews:

  1. Include Keywords: Reviews that are keyword optimized are crucial to get the most out of your reviews! Google even includes snippets of reviews that mention search terms that users are looking for, since they know a business is relevant to the user based off of the previous review. (Reply to this email to find out how we can help you get more keywords in your reviews!)
  2. Add Images: Images add a ton of value to reviews and your profile in general. These images will also be added to the media section of your profile (which also requires consistent optimization) so it’s like a double whammy when a customer adds images in their review!
  3. Gather Reviews Around Town: Google pays attention to the location that a review comes from. If you’re trying to rank in a particular city, gaining reviews from people in that city will greatly increase your chances of ranking there. This is especially important for service area businesses!

Google’s making it easier than ever to get more reviews, but it’s up to you to make them count. Optimized reviews mean better rankings, more trust, and most importantly, more customers. Now go out there and start gathering optimized reviews!

If you’re ready to optimize your reviews and send your GMB to the top of Google Maps, check out our automated GMB optimization AI, Paige! You can start a 3 day trial today for just $1!

Justin Silverman

Justin Silverman founded Merchynt in 2019 and led the company's vision to become the world leader in Google Business Profile optimization and local SEO services.