Why Keeping Your Google Reviews and Info Up to Date Matters
When people search for your business online, one of the first things they see is your Google Business Profile. It pops up with your location, service hours, photos, reviews, and contact info, and it plays a big part in whether someone clicks or scrolls past. That’s why it’s so important to keep things fresh. Outdated info can put potential customers off, while great reviews and current posts help your business stand out in the local listing shuffle.
At WebWorks Media, we’ve helped clients across many industries manage and improve their online presence. From keeping Google listings updated to helping gather customer reviews, we’ve seen genuinely how small changes can lead to more calls, visits, and sales.
Stay Ahead of Local Rivals with a Fresh Google Listing
Imagine someone nearby searching for “plumbers near me” or “cake shop open now“. If your business has old information or no opening hours listed, they’ll skip your listing without thinking. But if your business hours are correct, you have recent photos, and you’re posting updates, you’re much more likely to catch their eye.
Staying ahead of your competitors isn’t always about being cheaper or faster. Often, it’s simply about being more visible and trustworthy online. A steady stream of up-to-date info on your Google profile boosts trust and helps potential customers decide more quickly.
Google Reviews Matter More Than You Might Think
When people see your business doing well with positive reviews, they’re more likely to trust you. In fact, reviews influence buying decisions more than almost anything else. A business with 4.8 stars from 126 reviews will get far more attention than one with 3.5 stars from 12 reviews.
Responding to those reviews is just as important. A quick “thanks for your feedback” shows you care. If it’s a poor review, don’t panic. Stay polite, offer to chat, or fix the issue if you can. This shows others that you’re responsive and care about your customers.
If managing Google reviews feels like a drain, we can help. At WebWorks Media, we provide friendly and easy-to-follow advice to help you manage it smoothly.
Regular Posts Keep People Engaged
Google Business Profiles let you post updates, just like on social media.
These can include:
- Special offers
- Events
- New products
- Changes to opening hours
Posting keeps your profile active, tells Google you care about providing fresh content, and most importantly, helps customers feel connected. A simple post about a weekend sale could push someone to visit when they might not have otherwise.
If you’re unsure what to post or how often, we’ve got tips and examples on our about page. You don’t have to be a writer or designer, a photo and a few words go a long way.
Make Sure Your Info Is Always Up to Date
One of the fastest ways to lose trust is with wrong information. Think about how frustrating it is when you show up to a business, and it’s shut when it said on Google that it was open. People remember that sort of thing, and not in a good way.
Make sure you check:
- Opening hours
- Contact numbers
- Business categories
- Website links
- Services offered
Set yourself a reminder once a month to check your profile, or get in touch with someone who can keep an eye on it for you. At WebWorks Media, our affordable pricing covers local listing management, so you don’t have to stress about it yourself.
Images and Video Can Boost Trust and Clicks
Photos of your shop, your team, or the work you do help people feel more connected. Whether you run a bakery, a salon, or a fencing company, real photos go a long way.
You don’t need high-end equipment either. A decent mobile phone picture of a happy customer or a display of your products looks great on your profile. Video adds even more personality. People love seeing who’s behind the business.
If you’re unsure how to upload these or how to get the right file size, we’re happy to show you the steps or lend a hand. Check out how we support local businesses through our full services at WebWorks Media.
Top Tips for Managing Your Google Reviews
Staying on top of reviews might feel like a big task, but here are some smart ways to keep it simple:
- Ask when the time is right. When a customer compliments you in person, ask if they’d leave a quick Google review about their experience.
- Send friendly reminders. If you have customer emails or send out receipts, add a short message asking for a review with a link.
- Don’t write fake reviews, ever. Google is smart, and fake reviews can damage your trust once they’re spotted.
- Respond to every review, even the bad ones. Reply quickly and calmly, and always thank the person.
If you need help setting things up early on, contacting our support team is always a good move.
What Happens If You Stop Updating?
When your profile gets old, Google notices. You may slowly start slipping down the search results. Active competitors and those who update their profiles regularly will edge ahead of you.
Old hours might send someone to a business that’s open and ready. Old pictures don’t reflect current quality. Out-of-date posts might give the idea that you’ve closed down. It’s not dramatic overnight, but it builds up over time.
That’s why doing a small bit regularly, like updating photos and replying to reviews, keeps your profile looking fresh.
FAQs
How often should I update my Google Business Profile?
We suggest checking your profile once a month. Update photos, check your hours match up, and make sure any changes are listed clearly.
Can I turn off reviews on my Google profile?
No, Google does not allow businesses to remove or turn off reviews. But you can reply to them and ask for more reviews from happy clients to balance things out.
What should I say when asking for a review?
Keep it short and polite. Try something like, “Thanks so much for visiting today. If you have a moment, a quick Google review would mean a lot to us!”
How do Google reviews affect rankings?
Google uses reviews as one of many signals when ranking businesses in search results. A high rating, recent reviews, and regular replies can help make your listing stronger.
I have no time to manage this. Can someone do it for me?
Yes. We support local businesses that want help managing their online presence. You can view what we offer on our pricing page or drop us a message.
Keeping It Fresh Brings Real Results
Keeping your Google listing and reviews fresh helps your business stand out from local competitors. When potential customers see your up-to-date hours, read recent reviews, and notice you’re active, they’re more likely to reach out. It’s a trusted and often overlooked way to stay visible.
At WebWorks Media, we help you get started, keep things running, and avoid the common mistakes. If that sounds useful, take a look at our services or get in touch with our team today. Let’s keep your profile looking its best and help more people choose your business first.
