As the month of March commences, Google has introduced QR codes for Google Business Profiles, simplifying the review process by directly linking customers to the review submission form. This feature helps businesses collect reviews more efficiently. Separately, Local Service Ads advertisers face an issue where reviews can only be left via the Business Profile URL, not through the ad link. Additionally, a study revealed that nearly one-third of internet users have limited reliance on Google, conducting few searches monthly.
Google Provides QR codes to Collect Feedback from Clients
Google Business Profiles now offers a new QR code that simplifies the process of receiving reviews for your Google local listing on Google Maps and Google Search. This QR code quickly directs users to the review submission form, minimizing distractions from other reviews and streamlining the review process. You can easily share this QR code with your customers through your marketing materials or display it in your encourage them to leave reviews for your business.
To find the new QR code on your desktop, you can look up your business and select “Ask for reviews” or navigate to your reviews and click on “Get more reviews.” This feature is available within your Google Business Profile on Google Search when using a desktop.
Below is a sample of the QR code:
Upon scanning the code, you will be immediately redirected to the review submission page for your business. To encourage customer feedback, consider displaying the QR code in-store signature or other prominent locations. Alternatively, you can also share the review link, conveniently located above the QR code, to facilitate easy access for your customers.
It is beneficial to have reviews on your Google Business Profile as they can set you apart from your rivals. Strive to collect more favorable feedback from satisfied clients whenever you can, ensuring that the reviews are obtained in accordance with Google’s guidelines.
Study Reveals that 1/3rd Rarely Utilize Google’s Web Search Function
A recent study conducted by Rand Fishkin at Sparktoro, in collaboration with Datos, analyzed web browser habits and revealed that nearly one-third of active internet users have limited reliance on Google, with these individuals conducting only a small number of searches, ranging from 1 to 20, per month.
The information compiled by Rand offers a fascinating insight, revealing not only the frequency of Google usage among users, but also the specific activities they engage in while using the platform.
According to recent data, the average American desktop user conducted approximately 126 distinct Google searches per month in 2024, with a median of 53 searches. This information, cited by Rand, is put into perspective by the fact that around 5.35 billion people are online every month, with roughly 81% of internet users utilizing a search engine at least once a month.
According to Rand, Google processes approximately 5.9 trillion searches every year. While this figure is consistent with Google’s reported annual search volume of over Google might have rounded up to nearly 6 trillion if the number were indeed that high. This raises the possibility that Rand’s estimate may be slightly inflated.
Google Search Usage: A Breakdown of Active Web Users’ Search Habits
This is what users do when on Google Search:
87% of individuals utilize Google.com, while nearly 11% of people dedicate their time to Google Image Search. Personally, I rarely use Google Images. Only a small percentage use Google Maps on the web (not apps) at 0.64%, Google News at 0.38%, and Google Shopping at just 0.23%.
For a more in-depth look, I suggest reading Rand’s account and share the most significant insight you gain from it.
Conversation on LinkedIn’s forum.
Local Service Ads now Linked with Google Business Profile
Google recently notified Local Service Ads advertisers via email that their Google Business Profile accounts are not linked to their Local Service Ads accounts. As a result, customers can only leave reviews through the Google Business Profile URL, rather than the Local Service Ads link.
An email sent to both Alex Sparks and Anthony Higman on X states that a specific Google Business Profile is associated with their company and has been linked to [NAME HERE] through Google’s Local Services Ads.
The email mentioned that new reviews for Local Services Ads should now be gathered using the link to your Google Business Profile. The previous link used for collecting reviews will no longer be effective.
Google subsequently provided the link to access customer reviews in the future.
Email screenshot below for your reference.
This development was anticipated, as Google had set the stage last October by making Google Business Profile listings a mandatory requirement for LSA accounts, following a preliminary warning of upcoming changes issued in April.
The email goes on to explain:
What’s changing:
Forum discussion at X.
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