- Joined
- Sep 13, 2018
- Messages
- 139
- Solutions
- 5
- Reaction score
- 225
Thanks to GatherUp for Sponsoring our LocalU Webinar on March 19, 2025! Reserve Your Free Seat Here: https://localu.org/webinar-seo-2025-register/
If you work with local businesses, you probably already know that online reviews are a big deal. But how big? GatherUp recently surveyed 1,231 American consumers to understand exactly how reviews influence their buying decisions—and the findings are eye-opening.
Google considers reviews a ranking factor, which means businesses with more (and better) reviews are more likely to show up in local search results. If a business isn’t actively managing reviews, it’s likely losing search visibility—and customers.
Trust Matters: 85% of Consumers Rely on Reviews
People don’t just glance at reviews; they actively trust them. In fact, 85% of consumers say online reviews influence their decisions. If a business isn’t collecting and responding to reviews, it’s missing a key trust-building opportunity.
Recency Over Ratings: 67% Prioritize Recent Reviews
While a high star rating is nice, consumers care more about recent feedback. Two-thirds of consumers say they check the most recent reviews before making a choice. A business with no new reviews in months may look outdated or even unreliable.
Review Responses Build Confidence
Replying to reviews—good and bad—makes a difference. Nearly 70% of consumers say they’re more likely to choose a business that responds to reviews. A thoughtful response to negative feedback can even increase consumer trust.
Fake Reviews? Consumers Are Watching
More than half of consumers say they’ve spotted fake reviews. Authenticity is crucial. Encouraging real customer feedback, rather than relying on questionable tactics, is the only sustainable way to build trust.
What strategies have worked best for your clients in getting more authentic, recent reviews? Let’s discuss.
Read the full survey report here
How Reviews Impact Local SEO & Consumer Trust—Key Findings from GatherUp’s Latest Survey
If you work with local businesses, you probably already know that online reviews are a big deal. But how big? GatherUp recently surveyed 1,231 American consumers to understand exactly how reviews influence their buying decisions—and the findings are eye-opening.
What We Learned: Reviews Shape Local Search & Consumer Choices
Reviews = Visibility in Local SEOGoogle considers reviews a ranking factor, which means businesses with more (and better) reviews are more likely to show up in local search results. If a business isn’t actively managing reviews, it’s likely losing search visibility—and customers.
Trust Matters: 85% of Consumers Rely on Reviews
People don’t just glance at reviews; they actively trust them. In fact, 85% of consumers say online reviews influence their decisions. If a business isn’t collecting and responding to reviews, it’s missing a key trust-building opportunity.
Recency Over Ratings: 67% Prioritize Recent Reviews
While a high star rating is nice, consumers care more about recent feedback. Two-thirds of consumers say they check the most recent reviews before making a choice. A business with no new reviews in months may look outdated or even unreliable.
Review Responses Build Confidence
Replying to reviews—good and bad—makes a difference. Nearly 70% of consumers say they’re more likely to choose a business that responds to reviews. A thoughtful response to negative feedback can even increase consumer trust.
Fake Reviews? Consumers Are Watching
More than half of consumers say they’ve spotted fake reviews. Authenticity is crucial. Encouraging real customer feedback, rather than relying on questionable tactics, is the only sustainable way to build trust.
What This Means for Local SEO & Reputation Management
- Businesses need a steady flow of real, recent, and high-quality reviews.
- Responding to reviews isn’t just good customer service—it’s an SEO and trust signal.
- Google My Business is the most trusted review platform, with 67% of consumers relying on it. A strong presence there is essential.
What strategies have worked best for your clients in getting more authentic, recent reviews? Let’s discuss.
Read the full survey report here
