How Google Reviews Directly Affect Your Call Volume

More reviews = more calls. Here's the data on how reviews impact local search and customer decisions.

January 19, 20266 min read

How Google Reviews Directly Affect Your Call Volume

You want more calls? Get more reviews.

The Algorithm Connection

Google's local ranking factors:

  • Relevance

  • Distance

  • Prominence (reviews are the biggest piece)
  • 150 reviews with 4.8 stars signals "established, popular, trusted." That business ranks higher.

    The Psychology Connection

    Business A: 147 reviews • 4.7★
    Business B: 23 reviews • 4.5★
    Business C: 8 reviews • 5.0★

    They call Business A. Quantity builds trust.

    The Data

    • 87% of consumers read reviews for local businesses

    • Reviews account for ~17% of local ranking factors

    • Users going from <20 to 50+ reviews see 28% more calls


    The Cascade

    More reviews → Higher ranking → More visibility → More clicks → More calls → More jobs → More reviews

    This is why businesses with momentum pull away.

    Minimum Review Counts

    • To be taken seriously: 15-20

    • To compete: 50+

    • To dominate: 100+


    Start automating review requests today. The compound effect is real.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many reviews to see a difference?

    Impact starts at 15-20. Significant at 50+. Market-leading at 100+.

    Does rating or quantity matter more?

    Both, but 4.5 stars with 100 reviews beats 5 stars with 10 reviews.

    Related Articles

    Ready to Stop Missing Calls?

    Fixly answers your calls, books jobs into Google Calendar, and sends follow-ups. Free to start. Pay only when it works.