Why 85% of Customers Check Google Reviews Before Hiring Local Services (And How to Get More)

Why 85% of Customers Check Google Reviews Before Hiring Local Services (And How to Get More)

Hey, I’m Chris from Fresh Start Digital in Moncton. If you run a service business in Greater Moncton, Dieppe, or Riverview, Google reviews can make or break your next call. The truth is simple: most people check reviews before they book. If your profile looks strong, you win the job. If it looks empty or mixed, they keep scrolling.

In our work with local teams near Downtown Moncton and around Champlain Place, we see the same pattern. Strong, recent customer reviews increase calls, quotes, and bookings. Here is how to make Google reviews work for you.

At a Glance

Quick facts

  • About 85% of customers check Google reviews before hiring a local service.
  • Recent 5-star reviews help you rank higher on the map and get more clicks.
  • Even 10 new positive reviews can boost call volume in a week.
  • A simple, consistent ask gets the most results.
  • Timely, respectful replies to every review build trust and keep you visible.

Why Google reviews matter in Moncton

How people choose local services

When someone in Moncton searches for a plumber, roofer, or cleaner, they scan star ratings, read two or three customer reviews, and call the business that looks trustworthy. The same goes for families in Riverview or shoppers near Champlain Place.

What Google shows first

Google often shows the local map first. Your stars, total reviews, and the latest comments all influence who gets seen and who gets clicks. This is core Moncton SEO and a key part of local business marketing.

How reviews affect your revenue

Ranking and clicks

More quality reviews help your profile show up in the map results. A better average rating and recent activity increase clicks to call. If your listing looks active and trusted, people choose you.

Trust and conversion

Good reviews turn curious searchers into customers. Clear, specific feedback like “on time, fair price, great cleanup” makes it easy for someone new to book. If your site needs a refresh to match that trust, our web design in Moncton services can help your first impression carry through.

How to get more 5-star reviews

Ask at the right moment

Ask when the customer is happiest. For home services, that is right after the job. For clinics and salons, it is at checkout. Keep it friendly and short: “If we earned it today, would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It really helps local customers find us.”

Make it simple

  • Create a direct link to your Google review form and save it on your phone and email.
  • Add a small card or QR code at the counter.
  • Send a same-day thank-you text or email with the link.

If you want a done-for-you setup with reminders and templates, our website support in Moncton can put a simple flow in place. We can also ensure your site and WordPress hosting Moncton are solid so everything loads fast when people click from Google.

Train your team

Give your staff a script and a goal. Two polite asks each day can add up to 40+ new reviews this month. No incentives, just a clear ask at the right time. That steady pace signals reliability to Google and to future customers.

Respond the right way

Positive reviews

Thank them, mention something specific, and sign off with your name. Example: “Thanks, Sarah. Glad the heat pump install went smoothly. —Chris” Short and human is best.

Negative reviews

Stay calm. Acknowledge the issue, invite them to talk offline, and keep it brief. Example: “Sorry we missed the mark. Please call our office and ask for Chris so we can fix this.” Many readers judge your response more than the complaint.

FAQs for Moncton business owners

How many Google reviews do I need to compete in Moncton?

Aim for at least 50 with a steady flow each month. Riverview and Dieppe markets often need fewer, but consistency still wins.

What should I do if a review is fake?

Flag it in Google and reply once, calmly. State that you cannot find the customer record and invite them to contact you. Keep it professional.

Can reviews really improve my ranking?

Yes. Reviews support local SEO by improving relevance, prominence, and engagement. That helps you show up higher in the map pack.

Does timing matter for review requests?

Yes. Ask within 24 hours of service while the experience is fresh. A friendly follow-up the next day is fine.

Ready to transform your online reputation and attract more customers? Download our free ‘Google Reviews Toolkit’ with email templates and step-by-step strategies. Get instant access and start building 5-star credibility today! Contact Us or Book a Discovery Call.

If you want help beyond reviews, ask about local SEO for Moncton businesses, ongoing local SEO, and site updates. We support small teams across Greater Moncton with practical guidance and quick fixes.

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