24 Feb Local Online Reputation Management Basics
Your online reputation isn’t just a collection of reviews—it’s a foundation that guides potential customers to choose your business over the competition.
Here’s what local consumer research is telling us in 2025:
Google Reviews Rule: 83% of consumers rely on Google reviews when choosing a business.
Everyone Reads Reviews: Only 4% of consumers skip reading reviews.
Video is Key: About 75% of people watch video content to learn more about local businesses.
Quick, Clear Responses Matter: In a blind test, 59% of consumers preferred a fast AI-generated response—even if they might think “AI” sounds impersonal.
Fast Feedback is Expected: Most customers expect a business to reply to reviews within two weeks.
They Want the Full Story: Consumers appreciate reading both the good and not-so-good details so they can form their own opinions.
More Forgiveness Than Ever: Shifting expectations mean customers are more understanding about average experiences.
Memorable Moments Win Reviews: Nearly one in four adults say their experience wasn’t special enough to write about, so make every interaction count.
Why Are Reviews Hard to Get?
Even though 96% of consumers are willing to write a review, many simply don’t feel compelled to share an “average” experience. To encourage more feedback, you need to create standout moments that customers can’t help but talk about.
Pro Tip: Focus on making every customer interaction memorable. A small extra effort can lead to a review that makes a big impact.
Simple Steps to Manage Your Online Reputation
Your reputation is the story your business tells. Take control of that story with these straightforward steps:
Monitor Regularly: Make it a habit to check your reviews and social media channels. A quick daily or weekly glance can help you stay on top of what’s being said.
Respond Promptly: Whether the feedback is positive or negative, a fast, genuine reply shows that you care about your customers.
Make It Easy to Review: Encourage satisfied customers to leave a review by simplifying the process—often, a friendly reminder after a good experience is all it takes.
Invest in the Right Tools: Consider a reputation management tool to help you gather reviews from different sites, track mentions of your brand, and respond quickly. Think of it as an investment in your business’s growth.
How a Great Reputation Pays Off
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for calculating the return on your reputation management efforts—but the bottom line is clear: a strong, credible online presence attracts more customers and boosts your sales. It’s an asset that grows with every positive interaction.
Meet RevStream: Your Easy Reputation Management Solution
Managing your online reputation doesn’t have to be complicated. RevStream offers an intuitive dashboard that simplifies everything:
- All-In-One Review Hub: Gather reviews from multiple sites in one convenient place.
- Automated Requests: Automatically ask customers for reviews when they’re most satisfied.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Keep track of what’s being said about your business online.
- Quick Response Tools: Easily respond to reviews to show your customers you care.
- Clear Reports: Get straightforward, actionable reports on your reputation growth.
- Optional Auto-AI Responses: For those times when you need a quick reply, choose an automated response option.
Ready to boost your business’s reputation?
Source: BrightLocal, Local Consumer Review Survey
Learn more about the research here
