Local SEO & Google Review
Glossary of Terms
25 essential terms defined for business owners, not marketers. No jargon, no fluff — just clear explanations of the concepts that matter for your Google Maps ranking.
Review Gating
A review collection strategy where customers are asked to rate their experience privately (1-5 stars) before being directed to a public review platform. Customers who rate 4-5 stars are sent to Google Maps; those who rate 1-3 stars are sent to a private feedback form. This intercepts negative reviews before they go public. Fully compliant with Google policy when implemented correctly.
Google Map Pack (Local Pack)
The block of 3 local business listings that appears at the top of Google search results for location-based queries (e.g., 'restaurant near me'). The Map Pack includes a map, business names, star ratings, hours, and distance. Being in the top 3 positions of the Map Pack captures 44% of all clicks on the results page — more than the top organic result.
Review Velocity
The rate at which a business receives new Google reviews over a period of time. Higher review velocity is a positive signal to Google's local ranking algorithm. Businesses collecting 15+ reviews per month typically see faster improvement in Map Pack rankings than businesses that get occasional reviews sporadically.
NFC Review Stand
A physical table counter stand containing an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip that, when tapped by a customer's phone, automatically opens the review page. No QR scan required — just tap and go. Works on all modern Android phones and iPhone 7 and later. An alternative to QR codes for in-person review collection.
Google Business Profile (GBP)
A free Google tool that allows businesses to manage how they appear on Google Search and Google Maps. Your GBP includes your business name, address, phone number, hours, photos, products, services, and reviews. A fully completed and regularly updated GBP is essential for local SEO. Formerly known as Google My Business (GMB).
NAP Consistency
The practice of ensuring your business's Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) are identical across all online directories and platforms (Google, Justdial, Sulekha, your website, etc.). Inconsistent NAP data confuses Google's algorithm and can negatively impact local rankings. Even minor differences like 'Road' vs 'Rd' can cause issues.
Local Citations
Any online mention of your business's name, address, and phone number. Common citation sources include Justdial, Sulekha, IndiaMART, Yellow Pages, Yelp, and local directories. More citations from authoritative sources increase your business's prominence signal — one of Google's three local ranking factors.
AI Review Engine
A software system that uses artificial intelligence to generate suggested review text based on a business's type, location, and services. The customer sees the AI-generated draft and can post it to Google Maps with one tap or edit it first. Compliant when implemented so that a real customer always posts using their own Google account.
QR Code Review System
A customer review collection method that uses a QR code placed at a physical customer touchpoint (table tent, checkout counter, receipt). When a customer scans the QR code with their phone camera, they are taken to a review page — either directly to Google Maps or to an intermediary system (like STRA) that helps them write and post a review.
Low-Star Threshold
In a review gating system, the star rating at which a customer is redirected to a private feedback form instead of a public review platform. Commonly set at 3 stars or below (1-3 stars triggers private form; 4-5 stars goes to Google). Configurable by the business owner in STRA's Instant Intercept settings.
White-Label Software
A software product developed by one company that can be rebranded and resold by another company as its own product. In the context of reputation management, a white-label review platform allows a digital marketing agency to offer QR code review collection and analytics under their own agency brand, removing all branding from the underlying software provider.
Sentiment Analysis
The automated process of detecting the emotional tone (positive, negative, neutral) of text — in this context, customer reviews. Advanced sentiment analysis breaks reviews down by topic (food quality, service speed, ambiance, pricing) to help business owners identify specific areas of strength and weakness in their customer experience.
Review Intercept
A synonym for review gating, specifically emphasizing the moment of interception — detecting a low-star rating before the customer reaches Google Maps and routing them to a private channel. STRA's 'Instant Intercept' feature fires in real-time and sends a WhatsApp alert to the manager within seconds of a low-star rating being submitted.
Local SEO
Search Engine Optimization strategies specifically designed to improve a business's visibility in local search results — primarily Google Maps and the local pack. Local SEO is distinct from general SEO in that it focuses on: Google Business Profile optimization, review volume and velocity, local citations/NAP consistency, and location-specific keyword targeting.
Hyperlocal SEO
An even more granular form of local SEO that targets extremely specific geographic areas — a specific neighborhood, street, or intersection rather than an entire city. Example: "best salon in Koregaon Park" instead of "best salon in Pune." Hyperlocal content is especially powerful for businesses in dense urban areas.
Table Tent QR
A folded card stock display placed on a restaurant table or shop counter that contains a QR code inviting customers to scan and leave a review. The most effective physical placement for in-person review collection in food service businesses because customers have their phones out and are in a moment of positive engagement.
Dynamic QR Code
A QR code that can be updated after printing — changing the destination URL without requiring a new QR code. This is essential for review QR codes because you can update your review link, A/B test different review landing pages, or switch platforms without reprinting your table tents or posters. STRA generates dynamic QR codes.
Keyword-Rich Reviews
Google reviews that contain specific search terms that customers would use to find a business. For example, a review saying 'best butter chicken restaurant in Koregaon Park' helps that restaurant rank for that exact search. Businesses using STRA's AI engine receive reviews injected with location-specific and service-specific keywords naturally.
Multi-Location Dashboard
A centralized management interface that allows a business owner or agency to view and manage review collection, analytics, and settings for multiple physical business locations from a single login. STRA's Growth plan supports up to 3 locations; Elite supports up to 10.
Review Response Rate
The percentage of customer reviews that a business responds to. Google considers review responses as a positive engagement signal for local rankings. Industry best practice is to respond to 100% of reviews — both positive and negative — within 24 hours. Responding to negative reviews publicly also signals to potential customers that the business is attentive.
AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)
Optimization strategies designed to get content featured as answers in AI-powered search experiences (Google AI Overview, Perplexity, ChatGPT). AEO focuses on clear, factual answers to specific questions structured with FAQ schema and clean HTML. Different from traditional SEO in that it targets being the *answer*, not just a result.
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)
A term coined in 2024 referring to optimization strategies for Large Language Model search systems (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity). Unlike traditional SEO (ranking in search results), GEO focuses on getting your brand, product, or information *cited* by AI models as authoritative sources. Implemented through entity markup, authoritative content, and data structure.
Scan Velocity
The rate at which customers scan a business's QR code over a given period (daily, weekly, monthly). Scan velocity is a leading indicator of review collection performance — more scans generally translate to more reviews. STRA tracks scan velocity by QR code, time of day, and day of week to help businesses identify their peak customer engagement windows.
Private Feedback Form
The customer-facing form that intercepts unhappy customers (low-star raters) in a review gating system. Instead of going to Google Maps, the customer sees: "We're sorry to hear that. Please tell us what happened." The form collects the issue category and optional comment, routing it privately to the business owner/manager.
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