Choosing the right review platform can decide whether new customers find and trust your business

If you run a small business, you may have wondered: “Where should I be getting reviews—Facebook or Google?”

Most owners I talk to say Facebook, hands down. Why? Because that’s where they spend their time. They’re already posting photos, updating events, chatting with customers in Messenger. Asking for a Facebook review just feels natural.

But here’s the kicker: when someone searches for “plumber near me” or “best pizza place in town,” they’re not scrolling Facebook. They’re on Google—and those little gold stars next to your business name can be the difference between a customer calling you or the guy down the street.

So let’s break it down.

Why Facebook Reviews Matter

Facebook reviews are about building community trust.

• Daily visibility: Reviews show up alongside your posts, photos, and updates—where your customers hang out.

• Engagement: People can like, comment, tag friends, even share a review.

• Social proof: A friend’s recommendation spreads instantly.

• Particularly effective for restaurants, salons, fitness studios, boutiques, and event-based services.

Why Google Business Profile Reviews Matter More

Google is where new customers find you.

• Search visibility: Reviews are a key factor in local SEO rankings, helping your business show up in the Map Pack and “near me” searches [1].

• Buyer intent: Someone searching for a service is ready to act—reviews boost trust instantly.

• Trust signals: Recent, detailed reviews hint at a reliable business [2].

• Surveys show 87% of consumers used Google to evaluate local businesses in 2022 [3].

The Real Problem: Asking for Both Reviews Doesn’t Work

You may think, “I’ll just ask for a review on both platforms.” That rarely works.

Nobody wants to copy-paste the same feedback twice. It feels inconvenient—and most likely, you’ll get zero reviews.

So businesses choose one: Facebook—and neglect SEO. Or Google—but look inactive socially.

That leaves half your reputation strategy unaddressed.

The Smarter Way: One Request, Customer Chooses

Solution: Let customers decide the platform.

That’s what ReviewsHQ does.

• Send one simple email or text: “Thanks! Would you mind leaving a review?”

• The customer clicks and picks Google or Facebook—whatever they prefer.

• You handle it all in one dashboard—no confusion, no chasing.

Why It Works for SMBs

1. Zero friction—customers leave just one review.

2. More total reviews—you don’t lose reviews by guessing the wrong platform.

3. Flexible—match your review strategy to client preference.

4. Automated—requests go out consistently without manual effort.

Which Platform Should You Prioritize?

If forced to choose:

• Google = attracts new customers and boosts SEO [4].

• Facebook = reinforces trust with your existing base.

Think of it like this:

• Google = New customers finding you

• Facebook = Existing customers validating you

Smart businesses manage both without making customers jump through hoops.

Evidence That Reviews Drive Business

• 71% of consumers always or regularly read online reviews before choosing a business [5].

• 87% of consumers used Google to evaluate local businesses in 2022 [3].

• Moz estimates reviews account for ~15% of local search ranking factors [6].

• Fresh reviews matter—recent activity correlates with better rankings [2].

• Google dominates search behavior, with about 70% of all general searches [7].

Bottom Line

• Facebook builds trust with people who already know you.

• Google gets you found by new customers ready to act.

• The only mistake is asking for two reviews and losing both.

With ReviewsHQ, customers get a single, choice-based review request. You win regardless.

👉 Want to learn more about us? Visit our Google Business Profile here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QXnEKYEh2t99gyZs9

Sources

1. Search Engine Land – “Why Google Reviews Are Critical for Local SEO”
   https://searchengineland.com/google-reviews-local-seo-unleash-potential-429883

2. Sterling Sky – “Does Review Recency Impact Google Rankings?”
   https://www.sterlingsky.ca/google-review-recency-ranking/

3. BrightLocal – Local Consumer Review Survey 2023
   https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey-2023/

4. Moz (via GMB Briefcase) – “Reviews & Ratings as Local Search Ranking Factors”
   https://gmbbriefcase.com/blog/reviews-ratings-local-search-rankings/

5. Backlinko – “Online Review Statistics 2024”
   https://backlinko.com/online-review-stats

6. Moz – Local Ranking Factors Survey
   https://moz.com/local-search-ranking-factors

7. BrightLocal – Consumer Search Behavior Study
   https://www.brightlocal.com/research/consumer-search-behavior/