Why do reviews matter for local SEO? (Select all that apply)

Reviews are crucial for local SEO because they directly influence both click-through rates (CTR) and search engine rankings. Positive reviews and a high star rating make a business listing more appealing in local search results, encouraging users to click on it over competitors. This improved CTR signals to search engines that the listing is relevant and valuable, which can positively impact its ranking. Search engines like Google also explicitly use review signals (quantity, quality, and recency) as a ranking factor in their local search algorithms. Reviews do not directly reduce website loading time or increase social media engagement, although a strong online reputation fostered by reviews can indirectly contribute to overall brand visibility and trust.