Do Google reviews affect local search ranking?

Short answer

Yes. Reviews are one of the significant factors Google uses for local ranking. The quantity, rating, freshness, and even the content of your reviews all feed into how prominently you appear in local results and the map pack.

How reviews influence ranking

• Review count and average rating are well-established local signals.
• A steady flow of recent reviews signals an active, relevant business.
• Owner responses and keyword-rich review text add relevance.

Reviews won't override everything else — relevance, distance, and profile quality matter too — but they're a lever you directly control. Consistently earning and responding to reviews is one of the most reliable local-SEO moves a small business can make.