Not every review site deserves the same attention. Most local businesses should start with Google, then add supporting platforms based on how customers research that industry.
Review platforms by industry
| Platform | Best fit | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Google Reviews | Almost every local business | Main review and local SEO platform |
| BBB | Trust-sensitive industries | Supporting trust source |
| Yelp | Restaurants, beauty, local services | Monitor and respond; avoid direct solicitation |
| Angi | Contractors and home services | Homeowner comparison |
| Zillow / Realtor.com | Real estate | Agent and brokerage trust |
| Local community businesses | Community referrals | |
| Tripadvisor | Hotels, tours, attractions, restaurants | Travel and experience discovery |
| Healthgrades / Zocdoc | Healthcare | Provider research and appointment decisions |
| Avvo | Attorneys | Legal research |
| Cars.com / DealerRater | Auto dealers | Vehicle buyer research |
| ApartmentRatings | Multifamily and property management | Resident research |
| Houzz / Thumbtack | Home improvement and local services | Project and provider discovery |
Use reviews after they are earned
Strong reviews should not sit hidden inside a dashboard. Review notifications, website widgets, and review marketing workflows help your best customer feedback support conversion across your website, search presence, and advertising.
Build the right review strategy by industry
ConvertLocal helps businesses focus on the review platforms that actually matter for their category.
Deeper guides
Use reviews after they are earned
Strong reviews should not sit hidden inside a dashboard. Review notifications, website widgets, and review marketing workflows help your best customer feedback support conversion across your website, search presence, and advertising.
Get a Birdeye quote from ConvertLocal
ConvertLocal helps local businesses automate review requests, make phone numbers textable, capture missed calls, and centralize customer communication with Birdeye.
FAQs
What review site matters most for local businesses?
Google usually matters most because it connects to local search, Maps, and broad customer discovery.
Should every business ask for Yelp reviews?
No. Yelp discourages direct review solicitation, so businesses should not send direct Yelp review request campaigns.
Can Birdeye monitor multiple review sites?
Yes. Birdeye can help businesses monitor, request, and respond to reviews across supported platforms depending on setup.