Google Review Velocity Explained (and Why It Beats Total Review Count)
Most local business owners obsess over total Google review count. The local algorithm cares more about velocity — here's why, and how to grow it.
What is review velocity?
Review velocity is the rate at which your Google Business Profile gets new reviews — typically measured per week or per month. A profile with 200 reviews from 5 years ago and 1 new review this quarter has *low* velocity. A profile with 60 reviews but 8 new ones this month has *high* velocity.
Google's local algorithm weighs velocity heavily because it's a real-time signal that your business is currently active and serving customers. A profile with old reviews and no new ones looks dormant — even if the absolute number is large.
Why it beats total count
- Recency: reviews from the last 90 days carry more algorithmic weight than older ones
- Trend: rising velocity correlates with rising local pack rank
- Defensibility: competitors can copy your tactics, but not your last 30 days of reviews
How to grow it without buying reviews
- Make asking part of the customer journey — every receipt, every email, every "thank you"
- Use a branded review link and QR codes to remove friction
- Time the ask within 5 minutes of value delivery
- Train every team member with a 10-second script
- Track weekly velocity and adjust
A realistic target
Look at the top 3 businesses in your local pack. Average their monthly review count. Your target is +1 above that average. Hit it for 3 months in a row and you'll typically see ranking movement.