My Top Google Reviews

Why My Times Square Review Became Most Relevant

 

What Makes a Review Stand Out

one of my top Google reviews

If you’ve ever written a Google review and wondered why some get noticed while others disappear, you’re not alone.

I’ve written hundreds of reviews across restaurants, stores, and attractions but one in particular stood out: my Times Square review in New York City.

Out of thousands of reviews, Google chose mine as both “Most Relevant” and “Highest.” That’s not luck it’s about how I wrote it.

In this article, I’ll break down exactly why Google picked it, what signals it recognized, and what lessons businesses can learn from it.

My Review That Google Chose

When I visited New York, I wanted to capture the emotion of the city’s heartbeat Times Square. I wrote this review after spending hours there, taking photos, and experiencing it like a first-time visitor.

Full Text of My Times Square Review

“Times Square is unforgettable! On my trip to New York, I spent time here and it truly felt like the heartbeat of the city. The lights, energy, and atmosphere are simply unmatched, with people from all over the world filling the streets.”

“When I was there at night, the giant billboards and dazzling colors came alive. I saw street performers, live music, cartoon characters posing for pictures, and tourists capturing photos everywhere. The whole vibe was electric, and I honestly felt like I was standing in the middle of a movie scene.”

“Also, I scanned the mobile barcode and uploaded my picture on the billboard and about 10 minutes later, I saw myself up there. That was such a unique and unforgettable moment!”

👉 Tips for visitors:
– Best time to visit is after dark when the lights shine brightest.
– Wear comfortable shoes you’ll walk a lot.
– Keep your phone or camera ready; every corner is a photo opportunity.
– It gets crowded, so stay mindful of your belongings.

“Times Square is busy, colorful, and alive an experience I’ll never forget.”

Google picked this review as Most Relevant and Highest among thousands. Let’s look at why.

Read More:

• My Other Works
• How I Write 5-Star Reviews That Rank on Google
• What Makes a Google Review “Most Relevant”

How Google’s Algorithm Picks “Most Relevant” Reviews

Google doesn’t randomly select reviews it uses advanced algorithms (and now AI) to decide which reviews best help future visitors. My review hit all the right signals:

1. Descriptive and Emotional Writing
The best reviews go beyond “It was great.” They show, they don’t just tell.Phrases like “the heartbeat of the city” and “standing in the middle of a movie scene” create vivid mental images. Google’s algorithm detects strong descriptive language because it matches what users search for people want to feel the place before visiting.

2. Keyword-Rich and Contextual
My review naturally included key phrases like “New York,” “Times Square,” “at night,” “billboards,” and “street performers.”These aren’t SEO tricks they’re authentic words that match what people actually type into Google. The algorithm connects these terms with travel-related queries, giving my review higher visibility.

3. Practical Tips Add Real Value
The bulleted Tips for Visitors section transformed my review from storytelling to usefulness.
Google’s “Helpful Content” system rewards reviews that answer common questions like the best time to visit, what to bring, and what to expect.

4. Unique, Memorable Experience
Uploading my photo to appear on a Times Square billboard gave the review originality. It’s a personal detail that most people don’t mention and Google identifies unique experiences as high-value content.

5. Clear and Readable Structure
I divided my review into short paragraphs with natural flow: introduction → experience → tips → conclusion. It’s easy to read on mobile, which improves dwell time and engagement.

Why My Review Ranked “Highest” Among Thousands

• Beyond relevance, Google also ranks reviews by helpfulness and engagement.Engagement and Helpful Votes
  The more people read, react, or mark a review as helpful, the stronger its ranking signal becomes. My review received interaction quickly after posting proof that readers found it valuable.Review Photos and Authentic Proof
  Google trusts reviews with photos more than those without. Visuals act as credibility boosters, confirming the reviewer actually visited the location.Google Local Guide Authority
  My Local Guide level and review history matter too. Over time, Google learns to trust reviewers who consistently provide detailed, photo-backed feedback.

Lessons Businesses Can Learn From This

• This wasn’t luck it’s strategy and authenticity combined. Here’s what any business can learn from my Times Square review success:Encourage Customers to Tell Stories
  A review like “Great food!” won’t help much. But “The steak was cooked perfectly, the waiter remembered my name, and the music created the perfect atmosphere” will.Encourage customers to talk about feelings and details. That’s what pushes reviews to the top.Visuals = Trust and Engagement
  Always invite customers to attach photos or videos. A real image builds instant credibility and increases your review’s SEO impact.Ask for Useful Details, Not Just Stars
  When requesting feedback, say something like:
  “We’d love to hear what stood out to you during your visit!”
  That small prompt encourages thoughtful, keyword-rich content.

The Power of Emotional Reviews in SEO

• Reviews aren’t just social proof they’re search signals. When emotion meets detail, Google’s AI reads it as human-authentic content.How Emotion Boosts Visibility
  People and algorithms respond to emotion. Emotional reviews generate more engagement, shares, and helpful votes. That interaction boosts your prominence in the Local Pack.Google’s AI and the Human Factor
  Google’s 2025 update prioritizes “experience-based reviews” content written by real people describing first-hand experiences. That’s exactly what my Times Square review represented.

 

Step-by-Step: How to Write a “Most Relevant” Review

• 1️⃣ Write From Experience: share what you saw, heard, or felt.
  2️⃣ Add Natural Keywords: mention the city, service, or location naturally.
  3️⃣ Include Photos or Videos: visuals increase credibility.
  4️⃣ Keep It Balanced and Real: honesty always performs best.

 

🚀 Want reviews that rise to the top?

I help businesses encourage the kind of genuine, keyword-rich, photo-backed reviews that earn the Most Relevant badge and improve SEO.
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The Takeaway: Storytelling + SEO = Visibility

My Times Square review wasn’t written to game the system it was written from the heart. But Google noticed it because it was real, helpful, and detailed.

That’s the secret behind every top-ranking review: tell a story that answers questions. When your words serve people, Google rewards you.

So whether you’re a traveler sharing moments or a business collecting feedback, remember: the most powerful reviews are the ones that sound human.

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FAQs
1. How did Google decide my review was “Most Relevant”?
Google uses AI to detect detail, helpfulness, keywords, and engagement. My review checked all boxes.

2. What’s the difference between “Most Relevant” and “Highest”?
“Most Relevant” = best answers future readers’ needs. “Highest” = most visibility and helpful votes.

3. Can businesses influence review rankings?
Yes by encouraging detailed, honest feedback and responding actively.

4. Do photos help a review rank higher?
Absolutely. Visual proof makes reviews more trustworthy.

5. What makes a review stand out to Google?
Emotion, detail, keywords, and real-life storytelling.