Repify
Indirectly, yes, but replies are not a confirmed direct ranking factor. Google says review count and score are among the signals of prominence in local results, and that high-quality, positive reviews can improve visibility. It recommends responding because it shows you value customers. Replies encourage more and better reviews and help searchers choose you, which is where most of their SEO value comes from.
Google's help pages explain that local results are based mainly on relevance, distance and prominence. Prominence reflects how well known a business is, and Google lists review count and score among the information it uses: more reviews and positive ratings can improve local ranking. Separately, Google advises owners to respond to reviews to show they value customers and their feedback. It does not say that replying in itself moves rankings.
How replies help in practice
- Customers who see an engaged owner are more likely to leave a review themselves, which grows your review count.
- A good public answer to a complaint can lead some reviewers to update their rating.
- Replies make your profile more convincing, so more searchers call, visit your website or ask for directions.
- Answering consistently keeps your profile visibly active and up to date.
Do not stuff keywords into replies
Some guides recommend loading replies with your city and main services. Google has never confirmed that keywords in owner responses influence ranking, and forced phrases read like spam to the customers you are trying to win. Write for the reviewer and for future readers first, and mention a service or location only when it fits naturally in the sentence.
What moves local visibility more
Focus on the basics Google itself highlights: a complete and accurate Business Profile, the right categories, correct opening hours, photos, a steady flow of genuine reviews and a good average rating. Replying to reviews supports all of this by building trust and encouraging feedback, but it works best as part of a consistent routine rather than as an SEO trick.