• 2016, "The Value of Online Reviews"

Local Online Marketing / Reviews / Reputation Research & Data

Understand the data of why it's important to optimize a business's online reviews & online reputation.

How Frequently Did Consumers Use the Internet to Find a Local Business in the Last Year?¹

This statistic you can say is predictable, right? It makes sense that generations Gen-Z and Gen-Y (Millennials) would be more savvy with computers and smartphones, and thus would frequently access reviews before making a purchasing decision. However, what's interesting from this data from Brightlocal is that Gen-X (the generation before Gen-Y) is also just as online-savvy and online-dependent despite having grown up by-in-large without modern technology; with 75% of Gen-X referencing reviews on at least a weekly basis.

X Axis = Frequency | Y Axis = % of People

  • 2019 Study
  • 2018 Study

X Axis = Situation | Y Axis = % of People of Respondents

  • 2019 Study
  • 2018 Study

How Many Survey Respondents Were Asked to Write a Review?¹

This is partially why what we do works. We have a system of requesting review responses that have a number of successes. You can see that there are still a fairly high number of businesses that still don't take advantage of asking their users for reviews, and thus aren't capitalizing on the ability of using existing business to generate future business.

What is the Impact of Online Reviews on Conversion Metrics?²

For this stat, we are going to reference information from the Spiegel Research Center at Northwestern University. As part of the Spiegal Center's research on the impact of the online reviews, they found that from retail stores that the inclusion of reviews resulted in a 190% increase in conversions in lower priced goods, and a 380% increase in higher-priced/premium items because of the increased risk of a purchase, people depend more on online reviews for high-ticket items.

X Axis = Category of Product | Y Axis = % Increase in Conversion

  • 2016, "The Value of Online Reviews"

X Axis = Number of Reviews | Y Axis = % in Increased Conversions (Values are Approximate)

  • 2016, "The Value of Online Reviews"

How Many Reviews Does a Product Need to Peak in Increased Conversion?²

Also referencing the Spiegel Research Center, they found that the number of reviews necessary to peak in order to get the most increased conversions was 5 reviews. Mind you, this situation was also in a retail store setting, from the same study, the Spiegel Center found that expensive "weight-loss programs" also needed about 5 reviews to get the greatest benefit in conversion. Sellers of expensive products benefited the most from publishing reviews. However from this study, a minimum of 5 reviews resulted in a 270% average increase in conversions.

What is the Minimal Review Rating a Business Needs for a Prospect to do Business with them?¹

BrightLocal has been conducting a local consumer study for several years now, as well as they also service thousands of small businesses and have great insights into market research. They have several research studies that allow us to better understand where local markets are heading. This survey shows that people are progressively referencing reviews on a daily basis. Within the span of a year 6% are referencing online reviews daily.

X Axis = Review Rating | Y Axis = % of People

  • 2016 Study
  • 2015 Study
  • 2014 Study

Want to See the Full Northwestern University Spiegal Center Research Results on Online Reviews/Reputation?

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X Axis = Review Site | Y Axis = % of People

  • 2018, GatherUp Restaurant Reviews Survey

Where are People Reading their Reviews?³

Now that we know that reviews are important... we should know on which websites people are referencing their reviews. The truth is, it really depends on the product. GatherUp surveyed 500 people about restaurants and found that the average restaurant has over 200 reviews combined. Looking at the chart regarding where people prefer to source their review-information, Yelp was numbered the highest, followed by a close second, Google My Business. We don't expect that every niche or industry has a similar suite,

How Often Did You Use the Internet to Find a Business Locally in the Last Year?¹

Also referencing the Spiegel Research Center, they found that the number of reviews necessary to peak in order to get the most increased conversions was 5 reviews. Mind you, this situation was also in a retail store setting, from the same study, the Spiegel Center found that expensive "weight-loss programs" also needed about 5 reviews to get the greatest benefit in conversion. Sellers of expensive products benefited the most from publishing reviews. However from this study, a minimum of 5 reviews resulted in a 270% average increase in conversions.

X Axis = Frequency of Time | Y Axis = % of People

  • Ages 18-34
  • Ages 35-54
  • Ages 55+

How We Approach Your Online Reputation

How We Approach Reputation

SMBreviewer Dynamic Feedback Request Forms

There’s No Denying the Dats (Data). Online Reviews are a Key to Success.

We just went through several recent statistics on how online reviews can make or break a business, and most important how they help build confidence in businesses. Success in business has to be approached systematically to ensure results. We start by making it easy to boost your existing reviews by reaching out to your previous and existing clients to post reviews.

If You Don’t Have Reviews, We Come Up with an Offer

Let's say you don't have so many clients, or your clients are not responsive. If your network doesn't respond, we'll come up with an attractive offer for prospects to generate reviews for you.

Systematize Your Reputation Building 

So now that you have some reviews, and maybe have some leads coming in from ads or local online directories. We have to make sure that we maintain as well as grow your reputation-base. By establishing yourself on relevant directories for your business, utilizing a system of requesting for reviews, utilizing a reward system for referrals, and keeping your audience engaged, we will systematize your reputation growth.

Advanced Tactics for When You’re Ready

Ever thought about press releases? Having your own book? Running a socially-based competition? Utilizing video to communicate your expertise? The tactics are endless. We work with you in flexible and countless dynamic ways to build trust within your local community and beyond. But until you're there, we work with you to build your reputation through existing channels.
Start Utilizing Your Reviews for Free

Stop Selling and Build Trust

We at SMBreviewer ardently believe that brands that invest and go out of their way to develop helpful content, and solidify their reputation with their prospects experience a much more convincing process with warming up to, and developing prosperous paths to business with prospects and potentials clients.
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Stop Selling. Start Building Trust. Free.

Now that you know the power of reviews, you should understand the power of trust.