25 Online Review Statistics Every Business Should Know in 2025
Introduction
In today's digital marketplace, online reviews aren't just nice to have—they're essential for business success. Whether you're running a small local shop or managing a global brand, what customers say about you online directly impacts your bottom line.
But which review statistics actually matter? Which metrics should you track? And how can you use this information to grow your business?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the 25 most important online review statistics that every business owner should be monitoring in 2025. We'll also share actionable tips on how to leverage these insights to boost your online reputation and drive growth.
Let's dive in!
The Impact of Online Reviews on Consumer Behavior
1. 93% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase
That's right—nearly all consumers check out what others are saying before they decide to buy. Reviews have become an essential part of the modern customer journey.
2. 87% of consumers won't consider businesses with low ratings (under 3 stars)
First impressions matter, and for many customers, that first impression comes from your star rating. If you're below 3 stars, most potential customers won't even give you a chance.
3. 79% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
The digital word-of-mouth is nearly as powerful as recommendations from friends and family. This trust factor makes online reviews one of your most valuable marketing assets.
4. Consumers read an average of 10 reviews before feeling they can trust a business
Most people don't make decisions based on just one or two reviews. They're looking for patterns across multiple customer experiences.
5. 91% of 18-34 year olds trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
Younger consumers, in particular, place enormous trust in what they read online. If you're targeting millennials or Gen Z, your online reputation is particularly crucial.
The Business Impact of Reviews
6. Businesses with 4.5-5 star ratings earn 28% more revenue on average
Higher ratings correlate directly with higher revenue. Even small improvements in your star rating can lead to significant financial gains.
7. A one-star increase on Yelp can lead to a 5-9% increase in revenue
According to Harvard Business School, even modest improvements in your rating can substantially impact your bottom line.
8. 72% of consumers say positive reviews make them trust a local business more
Trust is the foundation of customer relationships, and positive reviews help build that foundation faster.
9. Businesses with over 200 reviews generate 2x the revenue of those with under 100 reviews
It's not just about quality—quantity matters too. Having a substantial number of reviews signals popularity and reliability.
10. 88% of consumers are willing to pay more for products with excellent reviews
Good reviews don't just bring in more customers—they allow you to command premium prices.
Review Response Statistics
11. 89% of consumers read businesses' responses to reviews
Your responses matter almost as much as the reviews themselves. Potential customers are watching how you handle both praise and criticism.
12. 45% of consumers say they're more likely to visit businesses that respond to negative reviews
Counter-intuitive but true: responding well to negative feedback can actually attract new customers who appreciate your accountability and customer service.
13. Businesses that respond to at least 25% of reviews earn 35% more revenue on average
Regular engagement with your reviews correlates with significantly higher earnings.
14. 53% of customers expect businesses to respond to negative reviews within a week
The clock is ticking when you get a negative review. Most customers expect a prompt response.
15. Only 36% of businesses actively respond to customer reviews
Despite the proven benefits, most businesses aren't actively managing their reviews—creating an opportunity for you to stand out.
Review Generation Statistics
16. 70% of consumers have left a review when asked
Simply asking for reviews works surprisingly well. Most customers are willing to share their experiences if prompted.
17. 72% of customers will write a review if asked
Similar to the previous statistic, this reinforces that you shouldn't be shy about requesting feedback—most customers are happy to oblige.
18. Email review requests have a 71% success rate
Of all the methods for requesting reviews, email performs exceptionally well.
19. 76% of customers who are asked to leave reviews go on to do so
Again, the simple act of asking yields impressive results. Don't assume customers will review you unprompted.
20. The best time to ask for a review is 2-3 days after purchase
Timing matters. You want the experience to be fresh, but you also want to give customers time to use and appreciate your product or service.
Platform-Specific Review Statistics
21. Google accounts for 57.5% of all reviews worldwide
Google is the dominant review platform, making Google Business Profile management essential for most businesses.
22. 97% of consumers used Google to find local businesses in 2024
Google isn't just popular for reviews—it's how most people find local businesses in the first place.
23. Facebook is the second most popular review site with 19% of all reviews
Don't neglect Facebook as part of your review management strategy.
24. TripAdvisor influences $546 billion in travel spending annually
For businesses in tourism, hospitality, or food service, TripAdvisor remains incredibly influential.
25. 49% of consumers need at least a four-star rating before choosing to use a business
The bar is high—most consumers won't settle for average ratings.
How to Improve Your Online Review Strategy
Now that you understand the importance of online reviews, here are some actionable steps to improve your strategy:
Create a systematic approach to requesting reviews - Implement automated emails or texts to request reviews after purchases.
Respond to all reviews, positive and negative - Show potential customers that you value feedback and are committed to customer satisfaction.
Make it easy for customers to leave reviews - Provide direct links to your review profiles in your communications.
Address negative reviews promptly and professionally - View criticism as an opportunity to demonstrate your excellent customer service.
Incorporate reviews into your marketing materials - Showcase your best reviews on your website and in advertisements.
Monitor review trends over time - Track changes in your ratings and review sentiment to identify areas for improvement.
Train your team on the importance of reviews - Everyone in your organization should understand how crucial reviews are to your success.
Conclusion
The statistics are clear: online reviews have a profound impact on consumer behavior and business success. By understanding and leveraging these numbers, you can build a stronger online reputation, attract more customers, and ultimately grow your business.
Remember, managing your online reviews isn't a one-time task—it's an ongoing process that requires consistent attention and effort. But the potential rewards—increased trust, higher conversion rates, and greater revenue—make it well worth the investment.