Hello {{First name | there}},

Local SEO isn’t just about showing up — it’s about showing up with proof that customers trust you.

Here's what we’ve covered:

If you’ve missed earlier mini-courses, here’s where to catch up:

This week, we’re tackling one of the most powerful signals in local SEO: reviews.

A quick story

I was auditing a client’s Google Business Profile and noticed their most recent review was from a few years ago — and it was only three stars. Before that, they had a five-star review from several years earlier.

They were frustrated that competitors were outranking them for local searches. The difference? Those competitors had multiple fresh reviews from just the past few weeks.

With a few phone calls and emails to past clients, this business quickly added several new reviews. Their profile looked alive again — and customers felt more confident calling them.

But here’s the lesson: don’t wait until an audit forces you to scramble for reviews. Make it part of every customer interaction.

Why it matters

  • Freshness counts: Google favors businesses with recent activity. A profile that looks dormant sends the wrong message.

  • Social proof wins customers: People trust businesses with steady streams of positive reviews over those with old or sparse feedback.

  • Systems beat campaigns: Asking for reviews once in a while is inconsistent. Build it into your process so it happens every time.

This week’s action

Start building your review system.

  1. Reach out to 3–5 recent customers and ask for a review on Google.

  2. Make it easy: send them the direct link to your GBP review form.

  3. Decide how reviews will become part of your process (after purchase, project completion, or service call).

Reviews don’t just help SEO. They close the gap between someone finding you online and deciding to contact you.

Key takeaway

Reviews are more than stars — they’re trust signals. A steady flow of recent reviews tells both Google and your potential customers that your business is active, reliable, and worth choosing.

Want more support while you’re doing this?

Talk soon,
Frank

P.S.
Do you have a system in place for asking every customer for a review? Hit reply and tell me how you’re handling it — I’ll give you feedback and help you strengthen it.

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