89% of consumers search for and interact with business reviews before making decisions.
Looking for a new coffee spot? Checking out a local plumber? Reviews tell them what to expect. But it’s not just about star ratings anymore. People read responses, compare details, and even scan social media profiles.
Customers interact with reviews differently. If businesses don’t keep up, they will lose trust and sales. Let us walk you through how consumer behavior changes and what businesses need to do to stay ahead.
Why Business Reviews Matter and How Consumers Read Them
Consumers search for and interact with business reviews before hiring. Whether they need lawn care, landscape design, or tree services, they check what others say first.
Ignoring reviews means losing potential customers. However, understanding how consumers use them can help your landscaping business stand out. And if you want more customer reviews, there are proven ways to encourage them.
Where Consumers Look for Reviews
Consumers don’t rely on one source. They check multiple platforms before deciding.
Here’s where they go:
- Google – The most trusted platform. Nearly 64% of consumers read Google reviews before choosing a business.
- Facebook – Many homeowners ask for recommendations and check reviews on local community pages.
- Yelp – Still relevant for local services, especially reputation management.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) – Some consumers use BBB ratings to verify a company’s credibility.
- Industry-Specific Directories – Websites like Angi (formerly Angie’s List) and HomeAdvisor attract homeowners searching for landscaping services.
How Consumers Interact with Business Reviews
People don’t just glance at star ratings anymore. They look deeper. Here’s what matters most:
- Detailed Feedback – Customers read full reviews to understand service quality, professionalism, and reliability.
- Review Responses – Businesses that respond to good and bad reviews show they care about customer satisfaction.
- Average Ratings – While a 5-star rating looks great, a mix of positive and constructive feedback can feel more authentic.
Why Reviews Matter for Landscaping Businesses
Reviews directly impact customer decisions. Here’s why they are critical to your business:
- Higher Search Rankings – Google prioritizes businesses with frequent, positive reviews in local search results.
- More Trust, More Sales – A landscaping business with a 4.5-star rating or higher is more likely to get hired.
- Competitive Advantage – If your competitors have better reviews, they’ll win the job. A strong review profile helps you stay ahead.
How to Get More Reviews (Without Asking the Wrong Way)
Encouraging reviews takes strategy. Here’s how to do it the right way:
- Ask at the Right Time – The best time to request a review is immediately after a job is completed.
- Make It Easy – Provide a direct link to your Google or Facebook review page in follow-up emails or texts.
- Automate the Process – Tools like Podium or Birdeye can send review requests automatically.
- Offer as a Reminder, Not an Incentive – Never pay for reviews. Instead, remind satisfied customers that their feedback helps others.
Check out our detailed guide on 5 Creative Ways to Get Customer Reviews for more details.
Managing negative reviews professionally
You won’t always get positive reviews, but how you handle them matters.
- Respond Quickly – Acknowledge concerns within 24 hours to show you care.
- Stay Professional – Keep responses polite and solution-focused. Avoid defensive language.
- Take It Offline – Offer to discuss issues over the phone or email instead of debating in public.
How Ready Business Systems Can Help
Managing reviews takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Ready Business Systems provides:
- Google My Business Optimization – Ensure your business is easy to find with accurate details.
- Landscaping SEO and Content Marketing – Boosting visibility through local search and strategic blogging.
For more information about the services Ready Business Systems offers and how we can effectively help grow your business, call us at 1-800-485-1404 or Contact us here.
