The Power of Reviews – A Personal Reflection

We Asked for Reviews. Here’s What Happened:

In February 2026, we asked our recent clients for feedback on their experience working with our team. After all, we regularly advise our clients and followers on the power of testimonials and Google reviews, and yet we hadn’t put much effort into gathering customer feedback in several years… at least until now.

[insert: the whole cobbler’s kids have no shoes excuse]

Don’t get me wrong. Any time we receive unsolicited feedback (positive or negative), we take note and do what we can to capitalize on the positive input or address the negative. But we hadn’t really made a concerted effort to ask for feedback in a while, so that became part of our 2026 Q1 plan.

What Resulted Was More Than We Expected

Not only did we receive many kind reviews, which provides a nice boost to our Business Profile (and therefore organic search rankings — reader make note), but the reaction it elicited among team members was of immense value.

We all take pride in the work we do, and, I’m proud to say, I know our team really cares about the success of our clients. But we often go through our day-to-day hoping that what we’re doing is appreciated, but not necessarily knowing that it is.

Reading the reviews we received in February was like a breath of fresh air to our team. It renewed a sense of purpose for many and even brought a few misty eyes to some. The appreciation reminded us that, even on the more mundane days, our work can and does make a difference.

Deeper Impact

I don’t just mean in the numbers. More leads, more customers, and more enrollments for our clients are, of course, very important.

But what is also important is making our clients feel supported and heard, giving them a sense of clarity, and providing an experience that leaves them saying, “the care and concern is always top notch.” (Dr. Turner, Executive Director of Continuing and Professional Education at Clayton State University)

The Takeaway

Aside from realizing we should do this more often, what I took away from this was a reminder that feedback—especially positive feedback—is so valuable, and as a marketer and business owner myself, I should be returning the favor to those who have made me a happy customer. Really, business owners and markets should be some of the most frequent review-givers out there. After all, we understand the impact it can make.

So, if you haven’t left an online review in a while, think about the positive experiences you’ve had recently and go leave those businesses a review! And, if it’s been some time since you last asked your client base for feedback, make a plan to do so this quarter or next.

Chase Highley

Companies that have a great product or service deserve marketing that actually helps them grow. The same goes for colleges and universities. I serve as the CEO of Greenstone Media, where we have helped over three hundred organizations increase their bottom line with effective marketing strategies. When I'm not obsessing over our clients' and team members' success, I'm researching the latest trends and technologies in digital marketing... and if I'm not doing that, I'm probably playing pickleball.