Reviews and Google - whats their relationship?

[Ruchy]

Hi there,

I am trying to do some research in the field of reviews, I have set up successful review systems for local stores, but once I get to businesses that want to get reviews for their products or not a local business I cant get it straight.

What should I do, What should I avoid at all costs etc., What are the basic guidelines and advice from Google to get reviews? Please give me advice and resources to anything that would be helpful with this topic and the topics listed below

What are  Google restrictions and requirements for reviews in a local business and a national business?

Schema markup for reviews.

Product reviews vs company/store reviews

Thanks I really appreciate your time and help

[Ruchy]

Thanks for taking your time to answer my questions.

I will read that article now, I hope it will give more clarity on this topic.

I greatly appreciate your help.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Ruchy,

It's totally fine to have testimonials on your website, provided they are authentic. I wrote a pretty exhaustive article on just this topic last year. It includes guidance from some of the best in the review business, including sample markup for your reviews:

https://moz.com/blog/the-complete-guide-to-creating-onsite-reviews-testimonials-pages

I believe that should get you going!

[Ruchy]

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for your response,

I have a question for you, what reviews do you have on your site that you could use schema markup?

How do you get your reviews onto your site? and why does google trust them? Maybe you are manipulating them to show only positive reviews? (I don't think you'll do that, but why should Google trust you?)

also, do you have any experience with reviews for products (ex. books)?

Thanks again,

[Ruchy]

Hi Miriam,

I appreciate your response. I have one more question,

In order to mark up something, it has to be on your site (not in google my business etc.) My question is, how do I get reviews on my site that Google will trust? If I just write reviews or get my customers reviews on my site - who will trust them?

How do I get reviews on my site that Google will trust? are there specific platforms to use?

Thanks again.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Ruchy,

I believe the resource you're looking for regarding Schema would be this one: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/data-types/reviews

On your further questions, to earn local business reviews on Google, you have to have a local business (not a digital/virtual business). You'll need to be eligible for a GMB listing (read these guidelines: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=en). If the business in question doesn't meet Google's eligibility guidelines, it can't have a listing and receive these types of reviews.

[KevnJr]

Hi Ruchy,

Google is one of the few that encourages reviews, so we actively seek them with nearly 100 in the past 8 months!

I do use Schema markup for reviews, I believe it helps because I lean toward reviews when I search.

Look for businesses with physical addresses, avoid complexes with multiple competing offices and home based businesses.

KJr