As the warm weather rolls in, consumer habits shift. Restaurants, hotels, local artisans and shops all see a surge in local and tourist foot traffic, with people looking for quick and reliable recommendations. In this context, your online customer reviews can become a true asset. More than ever, they influence purchasing decisions and strengthen your credibility. So why not turn these testimonials into your best digital showcase this summer?
Reviews: a trusted source that’s now essential
Before booking a table, choosing a hairdresser or hiring a local service provider, people read reviews left by previous customers. According to a recent study, more than 9 out of 10 consumers check online reviews before making a decision, and most trust them as much as a personal recommendation.
During the summer, this trend becomes even more pronounced. Occasional customers and tourists who are unfamiliar with your business rely heavily on the ratings and comments they find on Google, TripAdvisor or Facebook. Reviews that are recent, numerous and positive provide reassurance and often tip the scales in your favor.
A direct impact on your local visibility
Beyond influencing purchasing decisions, reviews play a major role in boosting your local SEO. The more reviews your Google Business Profile has — especially if they are positive — the more likely you are to appear prominently in geolocalized search results.
A business with high ratings, recent reviews and professional responses is perceived as active, trustworthy and customer-focused. This sends a strong message to potential customers — and to Google’s algorithm, which favors engaging profiles.
Summer: the perfect time to collect reviews
Summer is a great opportunity to gather fresh reviews. Business tends to be busier, customers are more numerous, and experiences are often memorable. Take advantage of the season to encourage satisfied customers to share their feedback. A simple message at the end of a service, a sign at the counter, or a link sent by SMS or email after a purchase can do the trick.
The key is to ask at the right moment, in a natural and pressure-free way. A happy customer leaving your restaurant or salon is far more likely to leave a glowing review if prompted right after their visit.
How to make the most of your reviews this summer
Collecting reviews is important — showcasing them is even better. Always respond to your reviews, whether positive or negative. It shows that you’re attentive, committed to customer satisfaction, and helps build a strong brand image.
You can also feature your best reviews on your website, in your social media posts or newsletters. The goal is to highlight that others trust you, and that your quality of service isn’t just a promise, but a reality that others have experienced and shared.
Some tools, like those offered by Linkeo, let you automate review collection, display reviews dynamically on your site, and track their performance over time.
In conclusion
In local digital marketing, customer reviews have become a powerful tool. During the summer — when competition is fierce and decisions are made quickly — they can be the deciding factor between a booking with you or with the business next door. Nurture them, showcase them, and make them the heart of your summer digital strategy.
At Linkeo, we help you manage your online reputation, collect and highlight customer reviews, and boost your local visibility. Because a satisfied customer is your greatest ambassador.
Want to turn your customer reviews into a real business asset this summer? Let’s talk.
![linkeo-logo-blue-rgb-1-q8oycu5zg2kzhlse8rrcxytak6yppd1yg55o397hdq[1]](https://www.surfing-the-digital-wave.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/linkeo-logo-blue-rgb-1-q8oycu5zg2kzhlse8rrcxytak6yppd1yg55o397hdq1.png "linkeo-logo-blue-rgb-1-q8oycu5zg2kzhlse8rrcxytak6yppd1yg55o397hdq[1]"){kind=logo}