If you own a business in Myrtle Beach, SC, your reputation isn’t just built on the quality of your service it’s shaped by what customers say about you online.
Learning how to get more local reviews is one of the fastest ways to build trust, stand out in search results, and turn searchers into paying customers.
In this post, we’ll explain why customer reviews matter so much, how they impact your SEO, and practical ways to earn them — using a fictional watersports company, Grand Strand Watersports, as our running example.
Myrtle Beach’s Unique Market
Myrtle Beach attracts over 19 million visitors each year. For local businesses, this means:
- A constant flow of new potential customers.
- Tourists making quick decisions based on online reviews.
- Fierce competition in popular categories like dining, activities, lodging, and retail.
Example: Grand Strand Watersports competes with dozens of other jet ski rental companies. For them, local reviews aren’t just “nice to have” they’re the deciding factor for many vacationers choosing where to book.
Why Customer Reviews Matter So Much
Customer reviews play a dual role — boosting both your credibility and your local SEO rankings.
They:
- Improve local search rankings — Google uses review quantity, recency, and rating as a ranking factor.
- Increase click-through rates — users are more likely to click a listing with 4.8 stars and hundreds of reviews.
- Influence conversions — positive reviews turn interest into action.
- Add keyword-rich content — when customers mention your services or location, it reinforces your relevance.
- Build trust quickly — crucial for tourists who don’t have personal recommendations.
Example: If two watersports companies have similar prices but one has 25 reviews and the other has 250+, most customers will choose the higher-reviewed business — and Google will likely rank it higher too.
How Reviews Impact Local SEO
Reviews send strong signals to search engines, telling them your business is:
- Popular — many customers choose you.
- Relevant — reviews mention services and location.
- Trusted — high ratings indicate satisfaction.
In Google’s Local 3-Pack (the top three map results), businesses with strong review profiles often dominate.
Example: When someone searches “parasailing Myrtle Beach”, Grand Strand Watersports with a steady stream of positive reviews will appear above competitors who haven’t focused on review generation.
Step-by-Step: How to Get More Local Reviews
To grow your review count steadily and ethically, focus on making it easy and natural for customers to leave feedback.
Ask at the Right Time
- Right after a positive customer interaction.
- Immediately following service completion.
- While the customer is still excited about their experience.
Example: After each jet ski rental, Grand Strand Watersports staff hand customers a small thank-you card with a QR code linking directly to the Google review page.
Make It Frictionless
- Use a direct link or QR code to your Google Business Profile.
- Avoid making customers search for where to leave a review.
- Provide simple, clear instructions.
Train Your Team to Ask Naturally
- Staff should explain why reviews matter.
- Encourage them to request reviews as part of their closing process.
Example: “If you had a great time today, we’d really appreciate a quick review on Google. It helps other visitors find us!”
Follow Up with Email or Text
- Send a friendly message within 24 hours.
- Include a direct link to your review page.
Respond to Every Review
- Thank customers for positive reviews.
- Address concerns politely in negative reviews.
- Show you value feedback.
Example: Grand Strand Watersports thanks reviewers by name and references specific details from their visit.
Creative Ways to Encourage Reviews
- Run a monthly giveaway (no purchase necessary) for reviewers.
- Feature customer photos on your social media (with permission).
- Host themed events and ask attendees for feedback online.
- Add review reminders to receipts or booking confirmations.
Common Review Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying fake reviews — risky and against Google’s guidelines.
- Review gating — asking only happy customers for reviews.
- Neglecting negative reviews — respond professionally to turn them around.
- Letting reviews go stale — recency matters in SEO.
Why Work With an SEO Expert in Myrtle Beach
A seasoned SEO expert in Myrtle Beach understands how to integrate review generation into a full local SEO plan. They can:
- Audit your review profile and competitors.
- Optimize your Google Business Profile.
- Develop a sustainable review request system.
- Combine review growth with other SEO tactics for maximum impact.
Example: By pairing review generation with location-specific landing pages, Grand Strand Watersports not only increased reviews but also improved rankings for “jet ski rentals in Myrtle Beach” and “parasailing Myrtle Beach.”
Ranked Priority List for Getting More Local Reviews
If you want results fast, focus on these actions in order:
- Set Up or Optimize Your Google Business Profile – Without this, reviews won’t help your visibility.
- Create a Direct Review Link – Make it easy for customers to leave feedback.
- Ask at the Right Time – Catch customers while they’re still feeling positive.
- Train Your Staff – Make review requests part of your service culture.
- Respond to All Reviews – Show you value feedback and care about customers.
Final Word
Learning how to get more local reviews isn’t just about improving your star rating — it’s about building a reputation that drives real business. In Myrtle Beach’s competitive, tourist-heavy market, reviews can be the difference between a busy season and a slow one.
Work with an SEO expert in Myrtle Beach to make reviews a core part of your local SEO strategy — and watch your rankings, trust, and bookings grow.
