Sean Walsh
Sean is a Director at Intelligency heading up our digital marketing and client services operations. Sean has 15+ years experiencing working both in-house and agency with brands including Lloyds, Alstom, Hitachi, Lufthansa, Viaplay, DFDS Seaways and Mercedes-Benz.
Google Search has now expanded Store ratings to more countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and India. Store ratings were previously only available in the US.
What are Store ratings?
Store ratings are a feature that helps people find businesses with good customer service. They are designed to build trust between customers and businesses, helping shoppers make informed decisions before making a purchase. These ratings appear in Google Shopping search results, where users can click on the rating to see more details about a business, such as customer reviews, shipping options, and return policies. This allows potential customers to feel more confident in their decision-making.
How can businesses get Store ratings?
If you’re a business owner in one of these countries and want Store ratings to appear with your search results, you can join Google’s free Customer Review program or collect reviews through independent review platforms. If you’re already using these, your business is likely eligible for Store ratings to appear automatically.
Who this news is important for.
- E-commerce businesses: For online retailers, especially those in the newly added countries (UK, Australia, Canada, and India), this is an opportunity to increase your business’s credibility and online visibility. A good store rating can make all the difference in attracting customers in a competitive marketplace.
- Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs): For smaller businesses or those just starting out, Store ratings provide an affordable way to compete with larger companies. As ratings are available for both free and paid listings, even businesses with smaller marketing budgets can benefit.
- Local businesses expanding online: If you’re a local business transitioning to online sales or expanding your digital presence, Store ratings can help establish trust with new customers who may not be familiar with your brand.
- Businesses relying on Google Shopping: Companies already leveraging Google Shopping ads and listings will find this especially useful. With the inclusion of Store ratings, you’re more likely to see an increase in customer engagement and conversions.
- Consumers: While this news primarily benefits businesses, it’s also significant for consumers who now have more information to help them make confident purchasing decisions when shopping online. With detailed reviews and policies at their fingertips, shoppers in these new regions will find it easier to choose reputable businesses.
Why it matters.
- Increased visibility: Store ratings help businesses stand out in Google Shopping search results, making it easier for customers to find and trust your business.
- Builds trust: Positive store ratings give potential customers confidence in the quality of your products or services, increasing the likelihood they’ll click through to your site.
- Competitive advantage: A high store rating can set you apart from competitors, especially in crowded markets, attracting more traffic and interest in your business.
- Qualified traffic: Store ratings help drive more relevant customers to your site—those actively looking for businesses with good reputations.
- Higher conversions: Customers are more likely to make purchases from stores with positive ratings, leading to higher conversion rates and potentially larger sales.
- Free visibility: Store ratings are available for both paid ads and free listings, allowing smaller or newer businesses to compete with larger brands without extra advertising costs.
- Cost-effective growth: Using store ratings as part of your online strategy can grow your business by increasing customer confidence and boosting sales, without additional marketing spend.
In summary, having Store ratings can boost your business’s visibility on Google, attract more qualified customers, and potentially increase your sales. It’s a useful tool for businesses wanting to improve their online presence and attract more customers. If you haven’t looked into it yet, it’s worth considering.
