Their effect on decisions.
WHAT CUSTOMERS DO
Read reviews before deciding Compare businesses on rating and count Read the negative ones specifically
THAT LAST POINT
Many readers go straight to the critical reviews.
They want to know what goes wrong and how you handle it.
WHAT AFFECTS THE DECISION
How many reviews How recent The overall rating How you respond
THE RECENCY POINT
Reviews from three years ago carry little weight.
A steady trickle beats a burst.
WHAT A PERFECT RATING SIGNALS
To many readers, suspicion.
A few critical reviews among many positive ones reads as genuine.
WHAT MATTERS MORE THAN THE RATING
Your response to criticism.
WHAT REVIEWS ALSO AFFECT
Local search visibility.
WHAT THIS MEANS
Reviews are not optional for a business serving local customers.
WHERE TO START
Ask your next satisfied customer.
