Google Reviews.

For local searches such as 'painter Uster' or 'hairdresser near me', Google often shows the Local Pack first: a map with three businesses. Alongside relevance and distance, Google explicitly names prominence as a factor here, and that includes the number and rating of reviews. Reviews are therefore one of the few ranking factors a local business can actively influence itself. At the same time, they are often the first thing prospective customers read about a firm.

You get more reviews mainly by asking — at the right moment and with little effort for the customer. A proven approach is the direct link to the review form that Google provides in the Business Profile, sent shortly after a job is completed by email or text message, or printed as a QR code on the invoice. Google's policies do not allow incentives for reviews, such as discounts, nor selectively asking only satisfied customers. Bought or invented reviews breach the policies and, as misleading advertising, can also breach the Swiss Unfair Competition Act (UWG).

Replying is one of the most underrated tasks. A short, personal reply to positive reviews shows that someone is reading. With negative reviews, the reply often matters more than the review itself: stay factual, take the concern seriously, offer a solution and, if necessary, continue the conversation away from the platform. Prospective customers read these replies closely.

Google only removes a review if it breaches its policies, for example insults, hate speech, spam, conflicts of interest or no connection to the business. Reports are made through the Business Profile. There is no entitlement to have critical but factual reviews deleted.