7 min read
Do your Google reviews really impact where you rank on the search engine? The quick answer is yes.
In today’s digital-first world, the reputation of your home-building business often starts with what potential clients see online. One of the most influential factors in deciding whether your business stands out—or gets overlooked—is your presence in Google’s search results. At the heart of those rankings are Google reviews.
Builder Funnel specializes exclusively in helping builders and remodelers like you grow their businesses through strategic digital marketing. With years of experience working in the home construction industry, we’ve seen firsthand the benefits of increasing Google reviews for builders. In this blog, we’ll explore why reviews are so critical for SEO for home builders, how to get more of them, and strategies for responding effectively to build trust and enhance your online presence.
Why Google Customer Reviews Are Important for Google Ranking Factors
How do reviews affect Google rankings? When customers review your business, they do more than tell the world how you interacted with them during the purchasing process. They also help Google decide where your business should be ranked in the search engine.
If you’re like most home builders, you want to rank on the first page of Google when consumers search for keywords related to building a new home in your area. Getting the #1 spot on Google organically isn’t impossible, but it is difficult and often time-consuming. While working toward increasing your organic ranking, you may also want to consider striving for Google Reviews for a couple of reasons.
- Google Reviews help your organic ranking.
- In Google Maps, the company with the most good reviews appears first—even before the #1 search spot.
- Good Google reviews help your brand stand out and build trust more quickly.
Let’s take a look at an example of when a user searches for the term “custom home builders in Atlanta”
The first thing you’ll notice about these search results is a large map showcasing the various home builders in the area. Above the map (not pictured) is where paid Google Ads are showcased. Below the map, you will see three top home builders in the area, according to Google, including Stokeman Luxury Homes, Eco Custom Homes, and Hask Custom Homes. Then, after the map section, you finally see the #1 and #2 Google-ranked websites.
From this example, you can see why having Google Reviews is beneficial. The first two organic results on Google aren’t even custom home builders; one is homebuilderdigest.com, and the other is Houzz, meaning your listing is even farther down the page than anticipated, and claiming that top spot will be even more challenging. However, if you have several good reviews, you could appear in the map feature, which is present even before the #1 spot on Google. Stokeman Luxury Homes has 21 five-star reviews on Google, giving them the top spot on the maps feature.
Why Google Reviews Are Important Trust Factors for Home Builders
If the above section wasn’t enough to convince you why reviews are important for boosting SEO and ranking potential, there are even more reasons for home builders to obtain good reviews: they build trust. Trust is important for customers looking to build a home and spend hundreds of thousands of dollars with your company. If your business can’t gain a consumer’s trust, it won’t be able to land a deal. Reviews instantly make your business more (or less) trustworthy. If your business has more than a few reviews from various projects in various timeframes, consumers who are researching will feel more comfortable knowing you’re a legitimate business with happy customers.
Beyond Quantity: What Does Google Like to See in a Review?
All the data suggests that the quantity and quality of reviews have the greatest impact on how your business appears in the Google Maps results. Businesses with more positive reviews consistently outrank competitors, even in highly competitive markets. Google also considers review velocity or the frequency at which new reviews are posted. A steady stream of recent reviews signals to Google that your business is active and relevant, which can positively impact your rankings. The content of the reviews themselves can also impact your rankings. When customers naturally include keywords like "custom home builder" or "luxury home design" in their feedback, it helps Google’s algorithms understand the relevance of your business to specific search queries. This is part of Google’s advanced natural language processing, which evaluates the context and content of reviews to match businesses with the right audience.
How Home Builders Can Get Google Reviews
Now you know why Google Reviews matter so much to home builder SEO success, but how can you get your customers to leave you good reviews on Google? The first step is to provide excellent customer service every time. Treat every customer with respect, and if any problems arise during your interactions, take care to address them so the customer is satisfied.
Here’s how you can create a direct link for your clients to review your business on Google:
- Log in to your Google Business Profile.
- Go to the Home tab, scroll to "Get more reviews," and copy the auto-generated link.
When to Ask for a Google Review
Asking for reviews at the right time can make all the difference in how often clients respond and the quality of the feedback they provide.
Right After a Major Milestone: The ideal time to ask is when emotions are high and positive—like right after a final walkthrough, project completion, or a key milestone in the building or remodeling process. At this stage, clients are excited and more likely to share glowing feedback.
- During Follow-Ups: If you provide follow-up services, such as home warranty check-ins or post-completion inspections, this is another great opportunity. Your continued support shows clients you care about their satisfaction, making them more inclined to leave a positive review.
- When They Compliment Your Work: Pay attention to moments when clients give verbal praise, like saying how much they love their new home or how easy the process was. That’s the perfect time to gently ask for a review, as they already express their appreciation.
- After Resolving Issues: Counterintuitively, if you’ve successfully resolved a problem for a client, it can still be a good time to ask for a review. This shows you value feedback, take issues seriously, and prioritize customer satisfaction.
- Leverage the Power of the Referral: If a client refers someone to your business, it’s a good sign they’re happy with your services. This is an opportunity to thank them and politely ask for a review to share their experience with others.
Why an Authentic Review is Better Than a Cookie Cutter 5-Star Review
While every business aims for perfect 5-star reviews, it’s important to remember that having a mix of ratings is natural and can make your business appear more authentic. If your profile has 500 reviews and all are 5 stars, potential customers might perceive it as too good to be true. In contrast, maintaining a strong overall rating—like a 4.7 or 4.8—alongside a few 1- to 4-star reviews can signal prospects that your reviews are genuine and reflect real customer experiences.
How to Respond to Google Reviews for Your Construction Business
Responding to reviews isn’t just about keeping your Google Business Profile active; it’s an opportunity to showcase your customer-centric approach and build trust with potential clients. Google values active profiles with consistent engagement, and your thoughtful responses to reviews can strengthen your SEO strategy by including the language Google is looking for while reinforcing your credibility.
Responding to Negative Reviews
No business is perfect, and receiving a negative review isn’t the end of the world—it’s an opportunity to demonstrate integrity. When you respond with professionalism and a genuine desire to resolve the issue, you signal to the reviewer and future customers that you value feedback and are committed to making things right. Here is our best advice for responding to a negative review about your construction business.
- Listen: Carefully read and understand the customer’s complaint.
- Acknowledge: Show empathy and validate their feelings, even if you don’t agree entirely.
- Respond: Address their concerns directly and explain how you’re working to resolve the issue.
- Act: Deliver on any promises to correct the situation.
- Follow-Up: Revisit the issue to ensure the customer is satisfied, and share the resolution in your response if appropriate.
Responding to Positive Reviews
While responding to positive reviews is more enjoyable, it’s also essential to maintaining an authentic and approachable image. These details create a genuine connection and show future customers you go beyond a transactional relationship to build meaningful partnerships. Take the time to personalize your response.
- Thank the customer by name.
- Mention specific highlights from the project, such as a unique feature of their home or their enthusiasm during the process.
- Express how much you enjoyed working with them.
Pro Tip: Use Technology Wisely
Google has begun rolling out AI-generated response suggestions in some areas, but don’t rely on them entirely. While they can save time, make sure to personalize each response to maintain authenticity and a human touch.
Enhancing Your Google Reviews Strategy: Key Tips for Builders
Securing strong Google reviews for builders is just one piece of the puzzle of SEO for home builders. While reviews are critical in improving your local SEO and visibility, other factors like proximity, relevance, and Google Business Profile (GBP) optimization are equally significant. Here's how you can take your online reviews strategy to the next level:
Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP) for Maximum Impact
To improve your Google ranking for construction, ensure ais fully optimized and can be matched with the right audience. Complete every section of your profile, including:
- Accurate categories and service descriptions.
- High-quality photos that showcase your projects.
- Attributes such as “Veteran-owned” or “Family-owned” appeal to potential customers and help your business stand out in local searches.
Encourage Multimedia Reviews
An emerging trend in online reviews for home construction is the use of multimedia. Encourage your customers to upload photos or videos of their completed homes along with their reviews. Google increasingly prioritizes content-rich reviews, as they offer additional context and insights for future customers.
Use Schema Markup to Highlight Reviews in Search Results
Implement review schema markup on your website to stand out in search engine results. This code displays star ratings directly in your search listing, improving click-through rates and helping your site attract more visitors.
Don’t Forget Mobile Optimization
With most reviews and searches happening on mobile devices, optimizing your website and GBP for mobile users is crucial. A fast-loading, mobile-friendly site improves user experience and aligns with Google’s mobile-first indexing approach, further supporting your efforts to improve Google ranking construction.
Bonus Freebie: Email Template to Request Google Review
Steal this email. We don't mind. We want beautiful Google reviews to grace every search.
Subject: We’d Love Your Feedback on Your New Home!
Hi [Client's First Name],
We hope you’re loving your new home! Our entire team really enjoyed working with you, and we’re so glad we could help bring your dream home to life.
[Your Business Name] is dedicated to providing exceptional service and craftsmanship, and your feedback helps us grow and improve. If you have a moment, we’d greatly appreciate it if you could share your experience by leaving a Google review. Your review not only helps us but also helps other families searching for trusted home builders. This is your chance to tell them what you wish you had known.
Leaving a review is quick and easy:
- Click this link: [Insert Direct Review Link]
- Sign in to your Google account (if not already signed in).
- Share your thoughts and, if you’d like, upload a photo of your new home!
Your input means the world to us, and we’re always here if you need anything in the future.
Thank you so much for your time and support.
All Our Best,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Business Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Build Your Reputation and Your Business with Superior Digital Marketing
Builder Funnel understands the unique challenges builders and remodelers face in today’s competitive market. From developing strategies to generate more reviews to optimizing your digital presence, we’re here to help you grow your business and dominate your local market.
Ready to take your reputation and business to the next level? Get on our schedule today to learn how our proven digital marketing strategies can help you attract more clients, generate more leads, and increase revenue.