Why Reviews and Ratings Matter for Your Business in 2025
- Hookle
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 18
Online reviews and ratings can make or break a business in today's digital-first world. Whether you run a local bakery, an online shop, or a home service, potential customers are likely checking your reviews before making a decision.
In this quick guide, we’ll explore why customer reviews and ratings are essential for your small business - and how to turn them into a powerful growth tool.
Table of Contents
Why Reviews and Ratings Are So Influential
According to a Forbes study, 92% of consumers read reviews and testimonials before making a purchase. Whether it’s a product or a local service, people rely on real experiences to guide their choices.
Reviews build trust and often influence the final decision more than advertising ever could
Reviews build trust, offer social proof, and often influence the final decision more than advertising ever could. Just a few recent reviews can significantly boost your credibility and help convert potential customers.
Boost Trust and Credibility
Yes, social proof is incredibly powerful - yet often underrated. A business with glowing 5-star reviews instantly appears more trustworthy than one with none. In many cases, just a handful of positive reviews can be the deciding factor for new customers.
Social proof is incredibly powerful
For new customers especially, reviews often make or break the decision. So make every review count.
Improve Local & Online Search Visibility
Google and other platforms prioritize businesses with consistent, positive reviews. This means reviews don’t just build trust - they help you show up in local searches, Google Maps, or even social platform search results.
Platforms prioritize businesses with consistent, positive reviews
Often, ratings or even full review snippets are displayed directly in search results or AI-generated overviews - making a strong first impression before someone even visits your website or profile. The better your reviews, the more likely you are to stand out and get clicked.
Tip: Don’t have a Google Business Profile yet? It’s an essential tool for almost any business to get discovered online. Create yours here for free.
Getting Valuable Customer Feedback
Reviews give you real, unfiltered insights into what’s working - and what’s not. This kind of feedback helps business owners improve products, services, and customer experience to stay competitive in a fast-moving market.
Don’t be afraid to ask for reviews - just go for it!
Don’t be afraid to ask for reviews - just go for it! You can do it in many ways: through email, in person, on receipts, QR codes, or even with a social post. Want practical tips? Here’s a great article on how to get more Google reviews.
Turn Positive Reviews into Marketing Content
Don’t let great feedback go to waste. Highlight your best reviews on your website, social media, newsletters - even printed materials. It’s free, authentic marketing straight from your happy customers.
Highlight your best reviews on marketing materials
Want to make the most of it? Learn how to turn reviews into marketing gold.
Dealing with Negative Reviews the Right Way
Negative reviews are inevitable - but how you respond makes all the difference. A calm, professional reply shows that you care, take feedback seriously, and are willing to make things right. In fact, a well-handled negative review can build more trust than a perfect score ever could.
Want practical tips on how to handle tough reviews? Check out this article for a quick guidance.
How to Encourage More Reviews
Don’t wait - ask for reviews, especially right after a great customer experience. This is especially important when your business is just getting started and building credibility.
Quick tips:
Ask at the right time (after a successful delivery or service)
Include review links in emails, receipts, or messages
Post simple reminders on social media
Make it easy with direct links to Google or Facebook reviews
Even one new review can make a difference - so start asking today.
Stay Visible, Trusted, and Active - All in One Place
Reviews build trust - but staying active and consistent across platforms is what keeps your business top of mind. With Hookle, you can manage your Google Business Profile and all your social channels from one simple app. Share updates regularly and stay visible where it matters most.
With Hookle, you manage all your socials and Google profile in one place
Whether you're just getting started or already posting, Hookle makes it easy to grow your online presence with less effort.
Don’t just take our word for it - try it yourself! Download Hookle free today and see the difference. Already using it? Open the app and keep posting!
.png)
.png)
.png)