Why Reviews Matter
Google reviews significantly impact your firm’s visibility in local search results. Both the number of reviews and their quality matter. A higher star rating and positive reviews help your firm rank better and stand out in Google’s Map Pack. For potential clients, the star ratings and reviews are helpful, as they indicate that others have had positive experiences with your firm. It’s how people decide who to trust.
How to Get More Reviews
The best way to get reviews is to ask.
When someone’s had a good experience, they’re often happy to share it. Ask at the right time, usually right after their case wraps up, and keep it simple.
A few quick tips:
- Ask in person, by email, or over text if that fits your process. When asking in person, simply remind them not to use your office Wi-Fi while submitting, since Google tracks IP addresses, and too many reviews from the same location can get flagged.
- Use a link or QR code to make it easy for clients to access your Google Business Profile directly and leave a review.
- Let clients know how much you appreciate their trust and explain that their review can help others make informed decisions if they face a similar situation.
Build a consistent and genuine review-building approach into your overall strategy. Focus on honest and steady efforts rather than shortcuts, which can be detrimental. A sudden flurry of reviews can look suspicious, and an outside vendor promising quick results is likely using shady tactics that could hurt your firm and your site more than help it.
Respond to Reviews
Whether a review is positive or negative — respond. Google favors businesses that engage, and potential clients do too.
Thank clients for positive feedback as it shows you value their time and trust. For negative reviews, a measured and respectful response demonstrates professionalism and engagement.
You already know to stay within legal and ethical boundaries. What matters most is tone. Responding with clarity and care reinforces your firm's credibility and builds confidence with future clients.
Make Reviews Part of Your Strategy
Google rewards businesses that consistently build and respond to reviews. Reviews are an important factor in how your firm appears in local search and stays visible to potential clients. Reviews aren’t just helpful—they’re expected. That’s why asking for and managing reviews should be a regular part of your marketing strategy, not an afterthought.