Do Reviews Really Matter?

Lori Osborne • August 5, 2024
A colorful background with a yellow star that says 5.0 rating

Yes, reviews matter! Quite possibly more than you realize!


But why are reviews so important?


Quite simply: Reviews offer the power of someone else saying how incredible you are without you saying a word! And with multiple reviews, it is the power of MANY people agreeing and sharing how incredible you are without you having to say a word. Reviews are a form of social proof, meaning that people often follow – and trust – the actions of others. Therefore, when a business demonstrates social proof through positive reviews, the likelihood of others purchasing their product or service is greatly improved.


Getting Reviews


At this point, you might be asking “But how do I get reviews?”. You have to ask for them! Unfortunately, I know, it is not always that easy! I have found many people are hesitant to ask, concerned that they will put the customer on the spot. Typically, though, most people won’t leave a positive review without being prompted to. It’s sad, but the average person will complain about a business they feel has wronged them before they think about praising a business. Therefore, you really do have to ask! And you usually need to ask more than once! I have found that having a Reputation Management program in place that sends texts and/or emails to your recently fulfilled clients drastically improves the chances of them leaving a review. It is even better when the system kindly asks more than once as a reminder since people are so easily distracted in today’s world.


How do you get reviews? ASK FOR THEM!!!!



Choosing a Reputation Management Program


Now that you know that the most efficient and effective way to collect reviews is through using a Reputation Management service, how do you choose which Reputation Management program to use? The best Reputation Management services automatically post the review to other places, including your website, to improve visibility and your overall Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Even better is when the service reposts the review to your website and posts to your social media and Google Business Profile that you got a review! (Unfortunately, no Reputation Management program can directly repost the actual review to a different platform because all review platforms require a login to leave the review so the system knows it is legitimate.) Many Reputation Management programs do allow the customer to post their review to multiple locations very easily, including Google, Facebook, BBB, Yelp, and more. It is worth noting that research has shown that Google reviews are generally the most effective, but The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has also shown to be excellent for professional services.


Exceptional Reputation Management programs also offer both written and video review options, which is fantastic since video is so effective for marketing these days! And since you usually just add a link to the program itself on your website (through an API), you don’t have to worry about it being text or video. The API (Application Programming Interface) takes care of that for you!


Another option many Reputation Management companies offer is automatic replies to reviews. If you find that you and your team do not have (or make) the time to reply to reviews, this can severely hinder the success of having the reviews at all. In Brightlocal’s 2024 Review Survey, it was found that 93% of consumers expect a response to their review, and 34% expect the response within two to three days. Ideally, the response should come from the person working with the customer who left the review to ensure accuracy and authenticity. However, any response, even an AI-generated response, is far better than not leaving one at all.


A woman is holding a cell phone with a speech bubble that says five stars.


Does it matter how many reviews you have? And how current do they need to be?


At this point, you might also be wondering how many reviews you need, and if it makes a difference… and it DOES! The Brightlocal 2024 survey found that 59% of consumers expect to see at least 20-99 reviews for a business and only 12% said that the total number did not matter. With that in mind, I highly recommend you do everything in your power to get at least 20 reviews as soon as possible and build from there fervently and consistently. I say that because how recent reviews are left also matters! This matters for a couple of reasons. First and foremost: SEO! Google always wants to see CURRENT and relevant data on your website and on your Google Business Profile. By consistently getting reviews, you are going to increase your chances of showing up in searches on Google! And, secondly, your prospects expect it. Think about it – if your reviews are years (or even several months) old, what does that say about your business? A prospect looking at those reviews could have several thoughts: Are they still in business? Has their quality of service gone down? What changed? The statistic for consumer expectations in this area is increasing every year (22% in 2022, 25% in 2023, and now 27% in 2024). That tells me that this will only become more and more important!



Google Product Reviews versus Google Business Profile Reviews


Finally, it is important to remember that there are Google Product Reviews and Google Business Profile reviews, which are two very different sets of reviews. Google Product Reviews offer an exceptional visibility boost for E-Commerce companies, but are not nearly as effective for service-based companies while Google Business Profile reviews are specific to a business. There are Reputation Management companies that specialize in these services, but not all specialize in both services so it is important to know which works for you before evaluating which company to go with.  



Final Word


At BizBolster, we offer a variety of affordable and exceptional Reputation Management options and we would love to customize a plan for you! Click here to Schedule a Free Consultation and let’s chat!



Schedule a Free Consultation
Picture of a stage with colorful lights shining down
By Lori Osborne April 16, 2025
Beyoncé wouldn't step on stage without a spotlight. So why are YOU hiding behind a website that doesn't show your brilliance? Let’s be real… Thought Leaders, Influencers, and Experts spend years building expertise, but their websites don’t always reflect that. And if your website isn’t clearly showing who you are, who you serve, and why you’re the trusted authority… it’s whispering when it should be commanding the room. Your website is not a brochure. It's your digital stage!
Woman pointing to the title of the blog: Why Landing Pages Alone Don't Cut It for Thought Leaders
By Lori Osborne April 2, 2025
Let’s talk about something that comes up a lot in conversations with experienced coaches, consultants, speakers, and experts: “I was told I don’t really need a website as long as I have great landing pages.” It’s a popular belief, and it makes sense why - it’s simple, focused, and easier to implement quickly. And for some businesses or product launches, that’s absolutely true. But for Thought Leaders like you , whose business is built on credibility, personal brand, and long-term relationships... landing pages alone just don’t tell the full story. The Real Job of a Thought Leader Website Your website is not just your “online business card.” It’s not a placeholder. And it’s definitely not just a prettier version of your Linktree. A strategic, authority-building website is your digital headquarters, the one place online that’s fully yours, designed to communicate your value 24/7, even when you’re not in the room. When it's done right, your website will: ✨ Tell your story and why it matters ✨ Speak directly to your ideal clients in their language ✨ Showcase your process, framework, or thought leadership ✨ Offer clear next steps for booking, connecting, or collaborating ✨ Position you as the go-to expert in your space So Where Do Landing Pages Fit In? They absolutely have a place! Landing pages are great for: ✨ Lead magnets or opt-ins ✨ Launches for a specific course, program, or event ✨ Paid ad campaigns with a singular CTA ✨ Narrow-focus promotions where distraction-free content is key But landing pages are focused tools , not foundations. They are like the guest house while your website is the home. Your website is the place your audience comes to get the full picture of who you are, what you offer, and why you are different. If a landing page is where someone says “Tell me more,” your website is where they say, “Okay, I’m ready.” Why This Matters, Especially for Thought Leaders You have most likely spent years building your expertise, speaking on stages, coaching clients, writing books, and creating powerful frameworks. That level of leadership requires a brand presence that communicates the depth of who you are. A basic landing page can’t do that. You need more than bullet points and a single opt-in to stand out in today’s noisy online space. Your audience is discerning. ✨ They want to feel connected. ✨ They want to know you understand them. ✨ And they want to know you're the real deal. Still Wondering If You Really Need a Website? Let me offer a quick checklist that may help. If you want to: ✨ Attract more aligned speaking gigs or media opportunities ✨ Position yourself as a thought leader (not just a service provider) ✨ Convert high-level clients who need to trust you first ✨ Own your platform, content, and audience without relying solely on social media ✨ Showcase multiple offers or audiences without confusion ✨ Future-proof your brand and grow beyond just launches... Then it’s time to move from “just a landing page” to a full authority platform that supports the depth of your work. You Don’t Need Just Any Website—You Need the Right One Not all websites are created equal. If yours is not built strategically - with messaging, SEO, visual branding, and user flow in mind - it can feel like a waste of time and money (and very likely is). That’s why I help Thought Leaders create websites that are: ✨ Clear – so visitors instantly understand your value ✨ Credible – with the right trust-building elements in place ✨ Compelling – so they want to take the next step ✨ Consistent – so your digital presence aligns with your voice and vibe ✨ Conversion-ready – not salesy, but designed to spark the right action Ready to Build a Brand Presence That Reflects the Real You? Whether you’ve been relying on landing pages alone, or you have a website that no longer represents the level you’re playing at, I’d love to help you create a digital home that amplifies your authority and supports your next-level goals. 👉 Book a free Strategy Session here. ✨ And if you know a fellow Thought Leader who's been leaning on landing pages alone, please forward this along. They may just thank you for the nudge!
By Lori Osborne March 17, 2025
🌺Spring is a season of renewal , a time to clear out the clutter, refresh what’s outdated, and make space for new opportunities. Just like your home, your website needs a spring cleaning, too. Your website should work for you 24/7, building trust, showcasing your expertise, and engaging the right audience. But if it’s outdated or ineffective, it could be quietly diminishing your authority and impact . “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci If your website feels cluttered, disconnected, or outdated, it may be working against you instead of amplifying your influence. Here are five key signs it’s time to refresh your site before it holds you back. 1. Your Website No Longer Reflects Who You Are Today ✨ Your business has evolved, but your website hasn’t. ✨ Your messaging is outdated, and your brand no longer feels aligned. ✨ You’ve shifted your focus, but your site still speaks to the past. Just like nature renews itself in spring, your online presence needs to evolve , too. If your website no longer represents your voice, mission, or expertise, it’s time for a refresh. 2. You’re Not Seeing Meaningful Engagement from Visitors ✨ Your website isn’t sparking interest or attracting the right audience. ✨ You are not receiving inquiries, messages, or responses to your Call to Action. ✨ Visitors aren’t spending time exploring your site. Engagement is about connection, not just numbers. A great website should make visitors feel like they’re in the right place and eager to learn more about you. If your website isn’t inspiring interaction, it may need clearer messaging, fresh content, or a better user experience. 3. Your Website Looks and Feels Outdated ✨ Your design no longer matches your brand’s personality or style. ✨ The fonts, colors, and layout don’t reflect your level of professionalism. ✨ Your site runs slow, feels clunky, doesn’t function properly, and/or has an outdated look. First impressions matter. Research shows it takes ONLY 0.05 seconds (Yes, that’s only 50 milliseconds!) for someone to form an opinion about your website! And if it looks outdated, visitors may assume your expertise is outdated, too! “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou How does your website make visitors feel? If the answer isn’t clear, professional, and inviting, it’s time for a refresh. 4. You’re Hesitant to Share Your Website ✨ You don’t feel confident sending people to your site. ✨ You rely more on social media than your website to build your online presence. ✨ You feel like your competitors’ websites look and feel more professional. Your website should be a powerful extension of your brand and authority, something you’re proud to share. If you find yourself apologizing for your website or avoiding it altogether, that’s a clear sign it needs an update! 5. Your Content Isn’t Sparking Conversations ✨ Your blog or thought leadership content feels stale or inconsistent (or is missing altogether). ✨ Your website isn’t encouraging visitors to engage with you beyond their visit. ✨ There is no clear next step for people to continue the conversation (no Call to Action!). A strong online presence goes beyond having a website—it’s about building relationships. When your site is fresh, insightful, and aligned with your brand, it keeps visitors engaged and encourages them to take the next step in connecting with you. Spring Forward with a Website Refresh! If any of these signs sound familiar, now is the perfect time for a website refresh . Spring is a season of new growth—let’s make sure your website reflects the Thought Leader you are today. 👉 Click Here to Book a Free Strategy Call Today! "Can't say enough good things! Lori and the team at BizBolster Web Solutions are great to work with. Her creativity when creating our site for us and her knowledge of the online marketing arena are priceless…” ~ Stacy Summerlin, Summerlin Benefits Consulting