If you're a business owner, chances are you’ve noticed how much people rely on online reviews these days. Whether someone’s looking for a new coffee shop, a plumber, or a local boutique, checking reviews is often the first thing they do. Word of mouth hasn’t gone away – it’s just gone digital. And this is where a helpful tool like https://reputationbuilder.us can come into play. But before you think about tools or strategies, it helps to understand just how powerful reviews really are.

Here are 10 eye-opening statistics about online reviews that every business owner should know:

1. 93% of people say online reviews influence their buying decisions. That means most of your potential customers care about what others say before handing over their money.

2. Around 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation. Think about that — someone might believe a stranger’s review as much as advice from a friend.

3. On average, customers read 10 reviews before feeling they can trust a business. A handful of good reviews might not be enough. People want to see a solid pattern of satisfied customers.

4. Businesses with a 4-star rating or higher earn more clicks and calls. Even if your service is great, if your ratings are below 4 stars, people might pass you up.

5. Responding to reviews increases trust. 89% of consumers read how businesses reply to reviews. A kind and helpful response can show you're a business that cares.

6. Customers are likely to spend 31% more at businesses with excellent reviews. That’s a pretty big number. Good reviews aren’t just nice — they can actually lead to more income.

7. Negative reviews can drive away up to 40% of potential customers. One or two bad comments won’t destroy your business, but ignoring them might.

8. Fresh reviews matter. 73% of people think that a review older than three months isn’t relevant — so it’s important to keep getting new ones.

9. Customers are more likely to review a business after a bad experience. It’s worth reminding happy customers to share their thoughts too.

10. 82% of people look at reviews before even stepping into a store or making a call. That’s often your first impression — before your website or staff ever get a chance.

Knowing how much reviews impact your business can help you pay more attention to them. Encouraging happy customers to leave feedback and replying to all comments, both good and bad, shows that you’re listening — and that can make all the difference.