Do you remember the last time you checked your Google star rating?
Whether you are running a local grocery store, a baking shop, a law firm, or an ecommerce store, your Google star ratings decide if customers call – or walk!
You must be wondering why we are emphasizing star ratings so much. After all, there are hundreds of techniques to sell.
Well, we have a reason. People trust ‘stars’ more than your ads or website. One star can cost you thousands. This means, no star – no trust, more stars – more sales, period!
Now the point is, you can’t fake trust. But stars build it. Before customers read your website, they see your stars. Your 4.5 stars speak louder than those 500 words written on your website.
The question here is, after reading this much importance of stars, how can you increase your star rating without begging for positive reviews? Don’t worry. Today, we have come up with a detailed guide that tells you how to gain 5-star Google rating and so much more…!
What are Google Star Ratings?
Google stars are your digital first impressions. They are the average score your customers give you on your Google Business Profile, which is shown as 1 to 5 stars. Now these stars appear publicly in Google search, Maps, and local listings.
These stars help customers decide whether to trust this business or not. For example, if your business has only 2.5 stars, while your competitor’s has 4.5 stars, then chances are, your customers will prefer them over you.
This average rating is calculated from customer reviews left on the Google business profile. This means your Google star rating is a key factor in local SEO. It affects how your business will rank in map packs and local search results.
Why 5 Star Google Reviews Matter? (More than you think)
Every star counts, literally.
Your audience judges your business based on your star rating. 1-star means your business is at high risk. More than 4 stars means you are flourishing, and chances are you will grow more in the future.
But, do you know that 96% of customers actively look for negative reviews?
We don’t know why, but they want to know the worst-case scenarios. They want to know your weak points. If you have below 3.5 stars, most customers will deter without wasting one more minute on your profile. That’s bitter, but that’s true.
Here’s why your business should have 5 star Google rating:
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Rating shows up everywhere
Your Google Business Profile (with the star rating) appears on Search, Maps, and even third-party sites.
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It builds instant trust
First impressions matter. A 4.7-star rating screams “credible.” A 2.8-star rating? Not so much.
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It impacts sales
90%+ of consumers read online reviews before buying. And most will pick a 4.5-star business over a 3.5-star one—every time.
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It boosts SEO
Google considers your rating and reviews in local rankings.
In a nutshell, higher stars = more clicks, maximum conversions, and increased sales.
How to Increase Google Star Rating?
Keep one thing in your mind. If you want to grow your business, don’t add fake reviews or apply any shortcuts or tricks. They will ruin your business, literally.
Follow a simple 5-step strategy that helps increase Google review stars and positive ratings.
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Analyze All the Reviews
First, you need to understand why your Google rating is low or not as high as it should be. So, what you need to do is go through every recent review, especially the one with 1-3 stars. Identify patterns, for example, what are the most common complaints? Are there any shipping delays? Poor customer service? High prices? Or what?
Analyze all the factors. Because you can’t fix what you don’t know is damaged or broken.
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Fix What’s Actually Broken
Now that you know all the issues, it’s time to fix them. Here’s how to do it:
- Delivery problem? → streamline your logistics.
- Rude staff? → provide team training.
- Low-quality products? → improve the manufacturing or sourcing process.
- Long waiting times? → rework scheduling or support tools.
Do not forget to mention improvements in social media posts so that people know that you are actually putting in all the effort to provide better service.
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Respond to All Good/Bad Reviews like a Human
Yes, every review matters, even the nastiest one. We know it’s hard, but it’s important. Here’s what you actually need to do:
- Respond within 24–72 hours.
- Be polite and empathetic—even if the customer is being unfair.
- Offer to resolve issues offline when possible.
- Use their name if available.
- Never copy-paste canned replies. Personalized responses matter.
Do not just read reviews and reply with Okay, Thanks, or Sorry. Give them a proper response. Your customers observe how you handle them.
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Encourage Updated Reviews from Unhappy Customers
We know that most business owners do not follow this step, but trust us, it’s very important.
If you have fixed your customer’s issue, and they seem happy, you can ask them to update their review. Here’s an example:
“Thanks again for giving us the chance to make it right. If you feel differently now, we’d really appreciate it if you revise your review—it helps others see how we handle feedback.”
Result? Your 1-star bad review might turn into a 4-star positive review.
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Try to Get More Positive Reviews – Consistently!
If you want to quickly lift your average rating, try to get more and more positive reviews. You need more 5 star reviews on Google to set a high reputation. But the key is, you need to ask at the right moment, and in the right tone.
For example:
Ask for a review when the customer is happy.
Add a “leave us a Google review” button to your website
Automate it by using tools like Birdeye, Podium, Whitespark, or Google Business Messaging.
Showcase existing reviews to build momentum, like posting screenshots on social media
How Many Reviews Do You Need?
Well, there is no magic number to score high. However, the research says:
- Most customers trust businesses with at least 20–50 reviews.
- Businesses with 100+ reviews are seen as more established.
- Companies with 5,000+ reviews can see conversion rates 3x higher than those with none.
So, what we mean is, keep collecting your reviews. Do not stop ever, even if it reaches 20 or more.
Businesses Make These Mistakes, Avoid Them at Any Cost:
In search of “how to increase reviews on Google”, businesses make so many costly mistakes. You have to avoid them at any cost.
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Don’t buy fake reviews
Google removes them—and sometimes penalizes your listing.
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Don’t ask employees to review
Unless they’re actual customers, it violates Google’s policy.
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Don’t argue in public replies
You’ll only make your business look defensive or immature.
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Don’t ignore negative feedback
Silence says, “We don’t care.” Even a short reply shows accountability.
Final Thoughts – How to Get Star Ratings in Google Search Results?
Improving your rating isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about creating great customer experiences, listening to feedback (even the tough stuff), making it easy for happy customers to share their voice, and responding with professionalism and care.
And if you’re not sure where to start—that’s where we come in. Ascend Marketing helps businesses like yours. We help you get high-quality, authentic reviews, respond strategically to negative feedback, and build & maintain a consistent 4.5 or 5-star rating.
We don’t just improve your reviews—we help you build lasting trust with your audience.
Ready to take your Google star rating from “meh” to “5-star” status?
Let’s talk. Ascend Marketing has the tools, strategies, and experience to help you shine online.
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