Why Online Reviews Are Critical for Local Business Growth
- Mike MILESI
- Apr 29
- 6 min read
In today’s digital world, word-of-mouth is a little bit different… Instead of recommending a local business at a family BBQ, people turn to online reviews. And where do they go first?
Google.
92% of consumers read online reviews before deciding to make a purchase or visit a local business.
That means nearly every potential customer is checking out what others are saying before they trust you with their time or money.
For local businesses, online reviews are not just helpful… they're essential. They influence how easily people can find your business, how much they trust it, and whether or not they choose to become your next customer.
Let’s break down why online reviews matter, how to get more (and better) reviews, and how to turn them into one of your most valuable business assets.
Why Google Reviews Matter for Local Businesses
Google Reviews directly impact how people find and choose your business. Let’s take a closer look at how they make a difference.
Boosting SEO and Search Rankings
Every time someone leaves a Google Review, it sends signals to Google that your business is active, trustworthy, and engaging with customers.
The more high-quality reviews you have, the more likely your business is to appear at the top of local search results. This is a key part of what’s called “Local SEO”. The whole goal is getting your business to show up when people search for things like “best bakery near me” or “plumber in [your city].”
More reviews = better visibility.
Establishing Social Proof and Community Trust
Social proof is the idea that people trust what others say about something more than what they think themselves.
Google Reviews are the modern version of personal recommendations.
When potential customers see positive feedback from others, they’re more likely to trust your business too. It creates a sense of safety and confidence, especially for first-time buyers.
Improving Click-Through Rates and Conversions
A business listing with several 5-star reviews will naturally catch more eyes than one with none. More clicks to your website or GMB means more calls, more messages, and more visits.
Businesses with 4.5+ stars can see click-through rates nearly double compared to those with less. That’s a massive edge you would have over competition.
Standing Out in Google Map Pack
When someone searches for a local service, like “hair salon near me” or “best coffee shop in [city]”, Google often shows a special section at the top of the page called the “Map Pack”. This is a set of three top-rated local businesses with maps, star ratings, and key info.
Getting into this Map Pack is like free premium advertising. And one of the biggest factors that gets you there?
Your reviews.
A steady flow of good reviews puts your business front and center where customers are most likely to click.
How to Get More and Better Google Reviews
The good news? You don’t have to sit back and hope for reviews to magically appear.
With a smart and ethical approach, you can actively encourage customers to leave reviews that build your online reputation.
Just Ask at the Right Time
Timing is everything. The best moment to ask for a review is right after a positive experience, when your customer is happiest and most likely to say yes.
Whether it’s at the checkout counter, after a great service visit, or via a follow-up message, simply asking works.
You miss every opportunity you don’t take.
Make the Process Easy
Customers are more likely to leave a review if it only takes them a few seconds. Do NOT make them search for your business. Instead, send them a direct link or a QR code to your Google review page. You can include this link in:
Receipts
Emails
Thank-you notes
Printed materials at your location
Be creative!
The easier you make it, the more reviews you’ll get.
Train Your Staff to Ask for Reviews
Your staff interacts with customers every day, they’re on the front lines and can be your greatest asset when it comes to collecting reviews.
Train them with a simple and friendly script like:
“We’d really appreciate it if you could leave us a quick review, it helps other customers find us too!”
Consider offering small team incentives for encouraging reviews, like a monthly prize for the employee who helps generate the most.
Incentivize the Ask (Not the Review)
Offering a reward to a customer in exchange for a 5-star review is against Google’s policy and could get your business penalized. But there’s a smart way around this: you can incentivize the act of leaving a review, not the content.
Example: “Leave us a review and enjoy 10% off your next visit!”
This encourages more reviews without crossing the line and shows that you value honest feedback.
What To Do After A Customer Leave A Review
Here’s what you should do once your clients leave a review.
Responding to Reviews Builds Your Reputation
Your job doesn’t end once the reviews come in… how you respond to them matters just as much. Here’s why:
Positive reviews: A simple “Thank you!” goes a long way. It shows appreciation and builds presence.
Negative reviews: Stay calm, respond professionally, and offer to make it right. Never argue. This is detrimental for your image. Remember: What’s on the internet never disappears.
Your replies are public, which means future customers are watching how you handle feedback. A thoughtful response, even to a bad review, can build more trust than a perfect 5-star record.
Turning Negative Reviews into Opportunities
No business is perfect, and bad reviews happen. The key is how you respond.
Think of negative reviews as a window into your customer experience. They give you a chance to:
Identify weak spots in your service
Show that you care about customer satisfaction
Publicly demonstrate your commitment to improvement
When you respond with professionalism and a genuine effort to make things right, it turns a potentially damaging moment into one that builds credibility and shows accountability.
Pro Tips for Smarter Review Requests
If you want to get the most value from your online reviews, it’s not just about getting more, it’s about getting better. Here’s how:
Ask for Specific Feedback
Instead of saying “Please leave us a review” try:
“Would you mind sharing what you enjoyed most about your experience?”
This small change leads to more thoughtful, detailed responses. Not only are longer reviews more convincing to readers, they often include valuable keywords that help ranking higher on Google.
Use Automation and Reminders
Make collecting reviews part of your routine by using automation tools. Many CRM systems and booking platforms let you send review requests automatically after a visit or purchase.
Some helpful tools include:
Automation keeps your review game strong without adding more to your to-do list.
Reviews Are One Of Your Main Marketing Asset
Google Reviews a powerful, active marketing tool. The more genuine, positive reviews you collect, the more visibility, trust, and traffic your business gains.
Think of your reviews as digital word-of-mouth that works for you 24/7. Whether someone’s searching for a plumber, café, hair salon, or accountant, the businesses with strong reviews consistently win the click, and therefore the customer.
Make Google Reviews part of your growth strategy, not an afterthought.
Conclusion: Time to Leverage Google Reviews
If you’re a local business and you’re not actively managing your reviews, you’re leaving money on the table. The good news? It’s never too late to start.
Ask your happy customers. Make it easy. Train your team. Respond to every review.
Use the feedback (good or bad) to keep getting better. Treat your reviews like the high-value marketing asset they are, and you’ll stand out in search results, win more trust, and attract more loyal customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Google Reviews should a local business aim for?
There’s no magic number, but consistency is key. Aim to steadily grow your review count over time. At least a few new reviews each month. This keeps your profile active and trustworthy to Google, and to your prospects.
Is it okay to offer a reward for leaving a review?
You can incentivize the action of leaving a review, but not the outcome. Offering a discount or bonus for any review (positive or negative) is okay. Just don’t ask for 5-star reviews.
How do I respond to a bad review?
Stay calm, be professional, and thank the reviewer for their feedback. Acknowledge the issue, apologize if needed, and explain how you’ll address it. This shows maturity and builds trust.
What’s the best way to ask for a review without sounding pushy?
Be friendly and direct. Ask after a great interaction and say something like, “Your feedback helps us improve and helps others find us too, would you mind leaving a quick review?”
Can fake reviews hurt my business?
Yes. Fake reviews (both positive and negative) can damage credibility and violate Google’s policies. Always focus on getting authentic, honest feedback from real customers.
Share the post if you learned something new!
Talk soon,
Mike
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