Introduction
A good review has the power to make your business stand out among your competitors. Without reviews it is hard to create trust, build customer loyalty, improve SEO and gain more conversions from your digital marketing efforts.
There are some best practices for reviews that can make them more effective. It can be difficult to come up with good review examples and knowing the best practices to improve digital marketing requires specific knowledge from professionals marketing teams who are in the know.
In this guide by the Cindtoro team we will cover the power of great reviews, give you great examples for your industry and teach you what to write in a Google review for maximum impact for your business.
Why Google Reviews Impact Business Success in 2025
Great reviews matter more than ever in 2025. Without them it is hard to build customer trust, improve your local SEO and number of conversions. There are a number of reasons why this happens which we are going to dive into below. But, before we begin, here are some updated statistics on consumer behavior and why you should care as a business owner.
Stats on Consumer Behavior
- 63% of consumers would lose trust in a business after seeing mostly negative written reviews.
- 81%: of shoppers check Google Reviews first.
- 95 % of people read online reviews.
Local SEO Impacts: How Reviews help you rank higher on Google Maps and Search
Search engines like Google and others help you rank higher on Google Maps, and search. A search engine’s main goal is to promote businesses that will serve their customers in an ethical and safe way.
Google’s job is to protect their users. They do this with a number of Google ranking factors. For local businesses in particular, showing positive reviews helps to prove to Google you have a business that can be safely trusted to send their users to.
Impact of keywords, recency, and response rate
Did you know that reviews can be impacted by keywords, recency and response rate. A search engine will search for keywords that are contained inside of a review to match a potential customer to a business.
A search engine will also look for when the last review was posted, preferring to promote a business with more recent reviews over ones that are older. They also will assess the response rate and time of a business as a measure of how active they are serving clients in real life.
What Makes a Google Review Great?
There are a number of things that make up great Google reviews. They are:
- Tonality
- Depth
Tonality: Referencing specific details, use of emotional tone, and human phrasing
For a Google review to be considered “great” it should dive as deep as possible. The more substance you can get your customers to provide the better Google will be able to match your business as a solution to a potential client’s need for a product or service.
For a review to be considered high quality it must also contain an emotional tone and it should sound like a human wrote it.
A Note On Using AI for Reviews
There are many popular tools there that will let you automate review responses and respond to reviews with AI. For the most part these tools can be used safely and effectively but they should always be paired with human oversight and careful attention to detail to ensure thoughtful human written phasing.
Why vague reviews don’t help
Vague reviews don’t help anyone make a decision. If it sounds vague it will most likely be fake. ( Not the case all of the time but just keep an eye out for that one) descriptive keyword rich reviews help people find what they are looking for. They also help you as a business owner get found by more potential customers.
Real examples of “good vs. bad” reviews
We put together some good and bad review examples so you can see what you should be striving for as a business owner.
Good review examples on google
Here’s an example of a good Google review and why it’s effective: “I recently visited [Business Name] Their level of customer service and product knowledge was superior to anything I have ever experienced. The staff was incredibly attentive and took steps to make sure all my needs were met prior to making a purchase. The product I purchased exceeded my expectations in terms of quality and value.
Bad review examples on Google
Here’s an example of a bad Google review: The experience I received at [Business Name] was terrible. Their staff barely bothered to check on me. They did not care that I had trouble and minimized my needs as a paying customer. I will never go back ever.
The Right Way to Ask for Reviews
There is a right and wrong way to ask for reviews. If you do them correctly you will be more likely to get them however if you ask incorrectly you will come off as rude and pushy.
In-person requests
A great way to get more reviews is to ask for them in person after a client has had a positive experience with your business.
Did you know that according to a consumer report study, 95% of consumers have left an online review or would consider leaving one for businesses. Simply put If you don’t ask you will never get one.
Email and SMS follow-ups
If you forget to ask for a review in person you can ask via email or SMS text message ( if you have consent to do so.) This can be a great way to really pump your numbers up quickly and effectively with little effort on your part minus having to write an email or automate some text messages.
When to ask (timing and context)
You should always ask your clients to leave you a review after they have had a positive experience with your business.
If you can tell they were not satisfied with your services you should do everything in your power to make it right for them. A satisfied customer is one who will spread your business around to all their friends.
In today’s 21st century of marketing word of mouth travels at the speed of light. If you rack up numerous negative reviews you are on track to set up your own downfall down the road.
80+examples of good google reviews across industries
Education & Tutoring
- “My son was struggling in math, but [Tutor Name] at [Business Name] helped him build confidence and actually enjoy it.”
- “The learning plans at [Learning Center] are customized and keep my daughter engaged. Real results, too.”
- “[Business Name] was flexible with our schedule and gave us regular updates. I really appreciated the communication.”
- “I never thought my teen would look forward to tutoring. [Tutor Name] makes learning fun!”
- “They helped me prep for the SAT and my score jumped by over 100 points. Totally worth it!”
Automotive Sales & Service
- “[Dealership Name] helped me buy my first car with zero pressure And they answered every question I had.”
- “I got quick and honest service at [Auto Shop Name]. No upselling, just what needed fixing.”
- “Sadly I got a flat tire but [Business Name] had me back on the road in under 30 minutes.”
- “They explained the issue clearly and didn’t talk down to me. Great customer experience.”
- “Professional, affordable, and efficient. I will be bringing all my cars to [Business Name].”
Pet Services & Veterinary
- “[Vet Name] made us feel calm and informed during a very stressful emergency with our dog.”
- “[Groomer Name] did a fantastic job with our nervous rescue. She looks great and did not come back stressed.”
- “The clinic was clean and the staff was friendly. It is comforting to know that they clearly love animals. [Vet Clinic Name] is now our go-to!”
- “We have boarded our pets at [Business Name] multiple times and they always come back happy and healthy.”
- “They went the extra mile and followed up after our visit. [Business Name’s] personal touch really stood out.”
Travel & Tour Services
- “[Tour Guide Name] knew all the local spots and history. Made the trip feel personal.”
- “Booking through [Travel Company] was a breeze. Everything was handled before we even got on the plane. It really took away the stress of planning a vacation.”
- “Sadly, our family had a last-minute cancellation, and [Business Name] helped us rebook without penalty.”
- “Our trip was safe, fun, and well-organized thanks to [Travel Company Name]. We didn’t have to worry about anything.”
- “The itinerary was packed but not overwhelming. We saw so much and still had time to unwind and relax.”
IT & Tech Support
- “[Tech Company] saved my business after a server crash. Their service was fast and reliable.”
- “[ Tech Support Persons Name ] explained the fix in plain English and gave tips to prevent it happening again.”
- “They remotely accessed my computer and fixed the issue in under 30 minutes.”
- “No ticket system or overly long wait time. I got a real person who helped right away.”
- “After fixing my issue they followed up a week later to check everything was still working. Impressive!”
Fitness & Wellness
- “[Trainer Name] gave me a program that actually fits my busy schedule and life.”
- “Classes at [Studio Name] are high energy and super welcoming, even for beginners like me.”
- “The gym is spotless and never too crowded. The staff is friendly and helpful.”
- “The app for booking fitness classes at [Business Name] makes everything so easy.”
- “[Yoga Instructor Name] helped me manage back pain and improve flexibility.”
Creative & Design Services
- “We needed a branding project done fast for a company deadline. [Business Name] delivered amazing designs ahead of schedule.”
- “[Photographer Name] captured moments I didn’t even realize were happening. [ He OR She ] has true pure talent.”
- “The website [Web Designer Name] built is stunning and already improving traffic.”
- “The team was creative, responsive, and collaborative. Everything we wanted in a designer.”
- “[Company Name] Took our vague ideas and turned them into something that was professional and memorable.”
Hospitality (Hotels & Lodging)
- “Our room at [Hotel Name] was clean, modern, and had an amazing view. Worth every penny.”
- “The staff went above and beyond! They even helped us rebook our flight when it got canceled.”
- “Super comfy beds, fast Wi-Fi, and great breakfast options. I look forward to staying here every time I travel.”
- “We are always welcomed like family. Can’t wait to return.”
- “Everything was spotless, and check-in took less than 5 minutes.”
Cleaning Services
- “I scheduled a deep clean before moving to a new home. [Business Name] left it spotless.”
- “They followed my special instructions perfectly and didn’t miss a thing.”
- “The cleaning company was polite, punctual, and thorough. They left everything spotless and in great condition. They even cleaned my shoes and folded my towels!”
- “I’ve used other services before, but [Business Name] service goes above and beyond.”
- “[ Cleaning Company Name ] Even cleaned the windows and baseboards without me asking. I was highly impressed with their services”
Medical & Healthcare
- “[Doctor Name] took the time to really listen to me and my concerns. I felt heard something that’s hard to find these days.”
- “The office is clean and the staff was warm and welcoming. I never dread appointments with [ Dr Name ].”
- “Got seen quickly and everything was explained in clear, simple language.”
- “They followed up after my visit to check on me. That meant a lot.”
- “From check-in to check-out, my experience was seamless. [Clinic Name] runs a tight ship I highly recommend them”
Real Estate & Property Services
- “[Realtor Name] found us our dream home in a tough market. Super responsive and honest.”
- “[Property Manager Name] fixes issues fast and actually listens to tenant concerns.”
- “Our house sold above asking price after [Property Stager Name] worked their magic!”
- “[ Real Estate Company Name ] handled everything remotely from the paperwork to the virtual showing, all of it. Their process was fast and efficient.”
- “This was our first time buying a home, and [Real Estate Agent] made it smooth and stress-free.”
Construction & Renovation
- “[Contractor Name] was transparent from the day we started working with them from pricing, timeline and completion of the project.”
- “ [ Contractor Name] Finished our bathroom remodel early and under budget. Their level of detail was incredible!”
- “The construction crew cleaned up every day and was super respectful of my home.”
- “We love the result and will absolutely use [Business Name] for future projects.”
- “[ Project Manager ] Kept us updated throughout and even made some smart design tweaks we hadn’t thought of.”
Events & Entertainment
- “Our wedding DJ from [Company Name] put on an amazing performance! Everyone danced until the last minute.”
- “[Photobooth Rental Name] was a real hit with guests. Their booth was easy to use and the photos made for great keepsakes.”
- “[Event Service] was professional, punctual, and made the event stress-free. Their services were worth every cent.”
- “They coordinated our corporate event perfectly. The event was smooth, fun, and on-brand for our company.”
- “The entertainer we booked had the kids laughing nonstop. Total success!”
Retail Stores
- “The staff at [Store Name] was helpful without being pushy. I left with exactly what I needed and a smile on my face.”
- “Clean, organized store and a great variety of products. I’ll be back.”
- “They gift-wrapped my item for free and even included a note. Amazing service.”
- “I love going to [Shop Name] because I always find something unique!. Great place for gifts.”
- “They offered to order an item not in stock and shipped it to my house for free. I was really impressed with the quality of their customer service.”
Financial Services
- “I was completely new to investing and [Advisor Name] broke it down in a way I could understand.”
- “[CPA Name] saved me thousands this year and made tax season way less stressful.”
- “Transparent, honest, and available when I need help. What more could you ask for?”
- “[Financial Planner Name] gave me the confidence to plan for retirement, something I had been putting off for a long time.”
- “I really appreciated that [Company Name] focused on education, not just sales. I feel smarter and more secure financially.”
Lawyers & Legal Services
- “[Lawyer Name] gave me peace of mind during a difficult time. They explained my options clearly and kept me informed.”
- “I needed help with a contract, and [Law Firm] was fast, fair, and thorough.”
- “They helped with estate planning and were incredibly throughout with the process.”
- “When I needed legal advice urgently, [Lawyer Name] made time and didn’t charge me for the initial consultation. That meant a lot.”
- “They made a stressful situation manageable. I’d recommend [Law Firm Name] without hesitation.”
How to Use These Reviews in Your Marketing
Now that you have seen some great Google review examples, regardless of what industry you are in there are a few ways that you can use reviews in your marketing efforts.
- Embedding them on your website
- Using reviews as social media content
- Adding positive review in ads and newsletters
Embedding reviews on your site With Google Review widgets
Embedding reviews on your website is a great way to improve your local SEO and digital marketing efforts. Embedded reviews help to show that your customers or clients had a positive experience with your business.
By showing the reviews on your website you are also helping to build trust ensuring that future clients can make informed decisions on if they should use your product or service.
Turning reviews into social media content
You can turn the positive feedback into new social media content which can help you bring in more satisfied customers as users are browsing social media.
A great way to do this would be to create a day of the week called “Feedback Friday” where you can provide valuable insights into the experience a client had with your business.
This feedback will then likely translate into gaining more happy customers over time. And will also help motivate people who are on the fence about using your business’s product or service.
Using positive reviews in ads and newsletters
Positive social proof is one of the most important factors of online advertising. If you are advertising your business online with ads or newsletters then showcasing positive customer feedback that your business is highly recommended will help you achieve a better return on adspend or gain additional subscribers to your newsletter.
How to Respond to Google Reviews (the Right Way)
Review responses can help your SEO. Knowing how to do it is the key for improving your performance.
Here is how to do that:
A review should always reflect the customers’ experience and tonality they used when writing it. It does not have to be long but it should contain a reasonable amount of substance to show that you care as a business owner. Finally, your response should contain the keywords of the product or service your client received.
How to respond to negative reviews
Negative feedback can offer opportunities for you to improve your product or service. They should be taken as constructive criticism and looked at as a net positive in the long run.
You should take the time to address your clients feedback with a great attention to detail. Do not brush it under the rug as something that does not matter.
Potential customers are not expecting your business to have a 5 star rating across the board. in-fact this may also appear deceptive depending on the business you are in.
What NOT to Do With Reviews
Avoid fake reviews, incentives, or review gating
You should always avoid fake reviews. In many cases any attempt to mislead customers may be illegal depending on your business location. Of course some business reviews (both positive or negative) will be fake. That is a reality we all have to contend with as business owners.
A business would not be deemed very trustworthy if it had 100% of its reviews from people that do not exist. As a best practice do not engage in fake review practices. They should be genuine to your experience using a product or service.
You should also never pay for reviews as that is illegal.
How Google penalizes shady practices
Google has their own ways to deal with businesses trying to game the system with fake or shady reviews. If you are faking your Google reviews chances are your profile will have the fake ones automatically removed. Or worse you will be suspended for violating Google’s Google Business Profile Policies.
Google logs a lot of information including your IP addresses and their algorithms are designed to weed out people who try to abuse their systems.
The Cindtoro team has real world experience with this: We remember a time back in 2022 where a woman’s business lost all of her Google reviews overnight. After some questioning we found out that her 50+ Google reviews were fake.
We politely refused to work with her due to her deceptive practices. The takeaway here? Always do things the right way or don’t do them at all.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article interesting, informative and useful for your needs as a business owner. If you need help improving the online reputation of your business or you are looking to gain more customers through local SEO and digital marketing, reach out to a member of our team. We would love to serve your needs!
We Recommend Reading: