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October 2025 Edition

Are Your Company's Online Reviews Frightening Potential Customers?

 

by Dawn Varga

October 29, 2025

(Updated from 9/23/2019)

 

You have probably heard that almost 99% of shoppers read reviews before making a purchase and 92% of consumers check reviews for local businesses. But did you know that four out of five have changed their minds about a purchase after reading negative online reviews.

 

That’s scary, especially if you’re like most companies and occasionally receive not-so-happy online comments from consumers. I’m sure you would agree that one customer lost due to a negative review is one too many!

But a negative review doesn’t have to always mean lost business. There are ways to turn a ghastly review into an opportunity. For example, responding to the review and addressing the issues right away is a great way to show potential customers that you are concerned about your customer’s experience. In fact, 89% of consumers feel that if a business responds to reviews,it shows they care, and 76% of customers who receive a response to a negative review will update their original review, while 34% will remove it.

 

Another way is to gather more positive reviews from your customers. The comments left by satisfied customers are one of the best kinds of referrals your business can get. Not every customer will be satisfied, but hopefully the majority are happy with the products and services they received from your company. You should put an efficient and simple process in place to ask your customers for feedback. 70% of consumers left an online review for a business when asked, so the odds are in your favor.

 

Stay vigilant and know what is being said about your business online. Monitor your review listings and social media pages for new consumer posts. Don’t let bad comments spook your potential customers from doing business with you. And you don’t have to do it alone.  Enlist the help of OnTarget Digital Services, and let us manage your reputation, monitor your business online and respond on your behalf. Let us provide you with the tools to gather reviews and the reporting keep your abreast of what is being said about your company. 

 

Online reviews can seem nightmarish for a business, but if managed professionally it can be a great referral source for potential customers.

   
   
   

30 Latest Online Review Statistics 2025 [Updated Data]


Article from Demandsage


By Daniel Ruby 

August 18, 2025


Almost 93% of people read online reviews before buying anything, which shows how customer reviews play an important role in online shopping.


Whether you are running an online store or a local shop, reviews are key to building and maintaining your brand image. Since more than 75% of consumers trust online reviews when making a purchase, having a positive online reputation is essential.


This article covers the latest facts and figures about online reviews and their impact on consumers and their purchasing decisions. 


Online Review Statistics 2025 (Top Picks)

  • 93% of customers read online reviews before making a purchase.
  • Almost 53% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
  • 93% of consumers report that online reviews influence their purchasing decisions.
  • 62% of consumers avoid brands involved in review censorship.
  • Fake reviews are considered a major issue by 67% of consumers.
  • 41.7% of shoppers prefer third-party review sites.

Online Reputation Statistics

If you want to run a business in 2025, having an excellent online presence is critical.


With 72% of consumers claiming that positive reviews make them trust a local business more, online reviews are most effective in building an excellent online reputation.


1. Around 95% Of Consumers Check Online Reviews Before Buying

83% of consumers believe reviews only hold value if they’re recent and relevant. Plus, 67% won’t trust a high rating unless a good number of reviews backs it.

The pandemic also had an impact, with 31% of shoppers reading more reviews, showing just how much they rely on them when making choices. Even though 57% of U.S. shoppers say online reviews help guide their decisions, for them to really matter, they need to meet certain standards—like being objective, relevant, and up-to-date.


2. 93% Of Customers Read Online Reviews While Buying A Product

With more than 84% of millennials not trusting traditional advertising, a study found that 9 out of 10 people read online reviews before purchasing a product online.


People also feel more comfortable if the product they wish to buy has reviews with images from legitimate consumers.


3. More Than 53% Of Consumers Trust Online Reviews

Online reviews play an essential role in the sales cycle and brand establishments since more than 9 in 10 buyers tend to make buying decisions based on an online review.


A local consumer survey revealed that 53% of consumers trust online reviews just as much as personal recommendations.


37% of consumers tend to trust consumer reviews as much as suggestions from social media influencers.


   
   
   
   

Butternut Squash Casserole


View Recipe on The Pioneer Woman


It's full of savory goodness.


Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 lb. peeled and chopped butternut squash
  • 3 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh sage leaves, plus leaves for garnish
  • 2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 1 1/2 tsp. black pepper, divided
  • 1 1/2 tsp.  chopped fresh thyme, plus leaves for garnish
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 2 onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. salted butter
  • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère (or Swiss) cheese
  • 1/4 cup smoked (or plain roasted) almonds, chopped

Directions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a 13-by-9-inch baking dish, toss together the butternut squash, parsnips, olive oil, sage, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and thyme. Bake until the squash and parsnips are tender, 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Let stand until cool enough to handle, then crumble into large pieces.
  3. Add the onion to the bacon drippings and cook over medium, stirring, until softened and golden, 25 to 35 minutes. Add the kale, butter, vinegar, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cover the skillet and cook until the kale is wilted, 1 to 2 minutes, stirring once. Remove from heat.
  4. Add the kale mixture and bacon to the butternut squash mixture in the baking dish. Gently mix together and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle with the cheese.
  5. Bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with almonds and garnish with sage and thyme leaves.

   
   
   

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OnTarget Digital Services, LLC is a proud member of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, the RV Women's Alliance, the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce, and the Corona Chamber of Commerce

   

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OnTarget Digital Services, LLC

Canyon Lake,California


(951) 394-1952


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