Most Consumers Read Reviews Before Making a Decision

Key Statistic: 91% of consumers regularly or occasionally read online customer reviews to determine whether a local business is good or bad. 

This statistic indicates a vast majority of consumers turn to Google and other online reviews when determining how they feel about a business before engaging with it.
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The social proof inherent in reviews and hearing about other people’s experiences is valuable information for an undecided consumer. 

Since most people are reading reviews, businesses need to take their reviews seriously.

They are an extension of word-of-mouth–meaning what people say about you can theoretically be read by thousands of people, not just individuals in a customer’s immediate network.

And these reviews drastically affect your reputation in the marketplace.
source: Yeah Local