Why Local Businesses Must Diversify Their Review Strategy in 2025
If your business is still only asking for Google reviews—you’re leaving money, visibility, and trust on the table.
The way people find and choose local services is changing rapidly. Google is no longer the only player in the game. With AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT, Bing AI, voice search through Alexa and Siri, and even platforms like Apple Maps gaining momentum, local search has officially gone multichannel.
Google’s Grip on Search Is Slipping
Google still dominates, but it’s no longer undisputed. Bing is the default search engine on all Microsoft devices (laptops, desktops, etc.), and it’s been making major strides with AI-powered answers and seamless integration into tools like Microsoft Edge and Windows 11.
ChatGPT now uses Bing as its default search source, and Apple is reportedly developing its own search engine to further diversify the landscape.
Bottom line: consumers are finding businesses using many platforms—not just Google—and these systems pull reviews from multiple sources, not just your Google Business Profile.
AI Search Tools Pull From Multiple Platforms
When someone asks ChatGPT, “What’s the best plumber near me?” it doesn’t just look at Google. It pulls from:
- Facebook reviews
- ProductReview.com.au
- Yellow Pages
- Localsearch
- Niche-specific directories (like Oneflare, ServiceSeeking, or TrueLocal)
If your business only has reviews on Google, you may not even be part of the conversation.
More Review Options = More Reviews
Not everyone has a Google account, and some simply don’t want to use it. When you offer customers 2–3 platforms to leave a review (like Facebook, ProductReview, or an industry-specific site), you:
- Make it easier for more people to leave feedback
- Improve your review velocity across platforms
- Build a broader and more resilient reputation footprint
Boost Trust Across the Entire Web
Customers are savvy. They check multiple platforms before choosing who to trust with their time and money. When your business has glowing reviews on Google, Facebook, and third-party directories, it signals consistency, professionalism, and reliability—factors that directly increase conversion rates.
Protect Your Reputation from Platform Risk
Google profiles can be suspended, flagged, or even manipulated by spammy competitors. If it’s your only review source, that’s a risk. Diversifying across multiple platforms ensures your hard-earned reputation isn’t tied to one basket.
Win on Search Engines—Not Just Google
When you appear on multiple review platforms, you’re more likely to dominate branded search results and get featured in AI-generated answers, voice search results, and new search experiences. More visibility = more leads.
The Smart Move for 2025 and Beyond
At New Wave Digital Marketing, we help local businesses grow by adjusting with the search landscape—not fighting it. Our Local SEO strategy now includes a proactive, multi-platform review campaign as standard. If you’re still relying solely on Google, it’s time to future-proof your presence.
Want to get more reviews across the platforms that matter most?
Book a free strategy call today and let’s map out your next move.
