The Secret to Turning Bad Reviews Into SEO Power

No business gets only 5-star reviews. And that’s okay. In fact, a mix of reviews can actually make your business look more real and trustworthy. What matters most is how you respond.

Why Every Review Counts

Google doesn’t just look at your overall rating — it looks at your activity. If your business collects reviews (good and bad) and responds to them, Google sees you as active, engaged, and customer-focused. That’s a big signal when deciding who ranks higher.

Good vs. Bad Reviews

As long as you have more positive reviews than negative, the occasional bad review won’t hurt your ranking. What will hurt you is ignoring them. Responding quickly and professionally shows customers that you care, and Google rewards that engagement.

Replying Is the Key

Believe it or not, replying to reviews is just as important as collecting them. A thoughtful reply — even to a negative review — can turn a bad situation into a win, both with the unhappy customer and with future customers reading your reviews.

Need Help? We’ve Got You.

At Morrow Marketing, we know keeping up with reviews can feel overwhelming. That’s why review replies are included in our Google Business Profile management service. We make sure your business looks responsive, professional, and trustworthy at all times.

👉 Ready to take reviews off your plate? Learn more about our GBP management services »

And remember:

P.T. Barnum once said, “There's no such thing as bad publicity”