Do Google Reviews Really Matter for Small Businesses? (Short Answer: Absolutely.)

Brandy Lester
Dec 28, 2025
3 min read

A question I hear often is:

“Do Google reviews actually make a difference for small businesses?”

Yes — and honestly, more than most people realize.

For a small, service-based business like mine, Google reviews don’t exist just for bragging rights. They help new clients feel confident, safe, and informed before they ever book — and they also help people find me in the first place.

Here’s why Google reviews matter so much — especially for local businesses like mine here in Murfreesboro.

Real Client Experiences Beat Fancy Marketing Every Time

Pretty websites and nice photos are great — but they only tell part of the story.

Google reviews come from real people who:

visited my studio
trusted me with their skin
asked questions
had a genuine experience

When someone is searching for an esthetician or skincare studio, they’re not just asking:

“Who looks the nicest?”

They’re really wondering:

Will I feel judged?
Will someone actually listen to me?
Is it worth my time and money?
Will they explain what they’re doing?
Am I going to feel comfortable?

People don’t expect perfection.They expect honesty.

And that’s exactly what reviews provide.

What Clients Actually Say (Real Review Highlights)

These are the kinds of things clients share — and they truly help others decide where to go:

“Morgan is a godsend! I’ve never been so smooth — and everything was explained so clearly.”

“Very relaxing and great work.”

“Days later my face still looks amazing. Brandy helped me understand what my skin actually needed.”

“I felt comfortable the entire time — and the glow was unreal.”

And from long-time clients:

“I’ve trusted Brandy for years. It feels like visiting an old friend who also happens to know everything about skin.”

Reviews don’t just describe services.They describe the experience — which is what people really care about.

How Google Reviews Help People Find Local Businesses

Here’s the part most people don’t realize:

Google doesn’t only show businesses randomly.

Google uses reviews to help decide whether a business appears in search — especially for phrases like:

“esthetician near me”
“best facial in Murfreesboro”
“skincare studio near me”
“Brazilian wax Murfreesboro”

Fresh, consistent, thoughtful reviews tell Google:

“People come here. People trust this place.”

More reviews alone won’t magically put anyone in the #1 spot — but they absolutely help with visibility, credibility, and click-throughs.

And when people can actually find your business, everything changes.

Reviews Reduce “Decision Anxiety”

Trying a new skincare studio can feel intimidating.

Face. Body. Confidence. Vulnerabilities.

When people read honest experiences like:

“I felt safe.”
“She listened and didn’t judge.”
“I finally understand my skin.”

It lowers anxiety and builds trust before they even walk in.

That’s powerful.

Even Critical Reviews Can Be Helpful

Not every review is glowing — and that’s okay.

Constructive feedback can reveal:

where expectations weren’t clear
where communication needs improvement
where systems can be adjusted

I would much rather learn, listen, and improve than pretend everything is perfect.

And responding kindly shows future readers:

“This business takes responsibility and cares.”

That builds long-term trust.

Google Reviews Help Support Local Community

Leaving a review may feel small — but it makes a real difference.

When someone reviews a small business, they:

help neighbors find quality care
support a locally owned business
keep money in the community
help us compete with larger chains

Google reviews are simply modern word-of-mouth — and they still work.

Want to Help? Here’s the Easiest Way.

If you’ve ever visited and had a good experience, sharing it helps more than you know:

1️⃣ Open Google

2️⃣ Type: Brandy Lester Aesthetics

3️⃣ Click “Write a review”

4️⃣ Share a few honest sentences

Short, simple, specific = perfect.

And if something could have been better — say that kindly. Feedback helps.

👉 Ready to book an appointment? https://booking.mangomint.com/brandylesteraesthetics?staffId=1

And sincerely — if you’ve left a review already, thank you. It truly helps my business grow and allows me to keep doing what I love.