Our Top 3 Stats From The
“Local Consumer Review Survey 2014”

Want some insight into how online reviews drive consumers? Well, our friends over at BrightLocal recently published their 2014 Local Consumer Review Survey; an annual exploration into how consumers read and use online reviews. The results from the 2,104 consumer survey allow us to quantify the value which consumers themselves place on online reviews and how it directly affects their decision making process. We’ve picked 3 of our favorite stats from the survey and are sharing them with you today!

Special Mention:
Doctor / Dentist searches rise to 38% in 2014 (up from 35% in 2013)

Doctor / Dentist searches rise to 38% in 2014 (up from 35% in 2013)

1. 88% of consumers have read reviews to determine the quality of a local business:

The Stat:
88% of consumers have read online reviews within the past year in order to help them make their decision on whether to visit a business or not.

Of this 88%, only 12% of consumers said that they do not read online reviews. This emphasizes the importance that your business should place on managing you online reputation and obtaining positive online reviews.

2. 72% of consumers say that positive reviews make them trust a local business more

The Stat:
72% of consumers said that positive reviews make them trust a local business more than they did initially, while only 10% said they did not pay any attention to online reviews.

Simply, any negative review can and will directly impact conversion and ultimately revenue.

3. 88% of consumers say they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations

The Stat:
88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as they trust personal recommendations. This is up significantly from the 79% in 2013.

Only 13% said they do not trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations – which is down significantly from 21% in 2013.