1 Star Google review
- Julie Boake
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
You're allowed to say anything you want in a review, as it's designed to be YOUR feedback. Think of it as a way to manage the pack, as dogs do through constant regulation and feedback from their peers.
Ebay has the same, and I have recently discovered that Uber allows you to rate the driver and the driver can rate the passenger... is this a slippery slope?
Reviews are meant to guide, offer insight and feedback but what happens when they go too far.
I have both had, and heard of customers 'threatening' business owners with a bad review if they didn't get their intended/requested outcome. These conversations have been had on the public forum, offering insght for business owners and backlash depending on the conversation:
Some business owners have taken it to the public with their own clever responses. Turning the one-star review into humor or twisting the conversation to create appeal:
So what is the best response to a bad review?
First, let's remember that perfection is hard to maintain, and for some customers, it's almost unbelievable. Our imperfections show our humanity.
"The most favorable Google rating is typically between 4.2 and 4.5 stars, as this range is perceived as more authentic and trustworthy by consumers compared to a perfect 5-star rating."
-- of note, I recall when the most favourable rating was a 4.7-4.8, and I find it interesting to see how that's even lower now.
The best response to a bad review is a factual, appealing and neutral response. Consider that the largest audience will be the general public, not the person who initially posted it.
People want to know how you handled, or will handle, a problematic situation, a challenging customer or resolve issues. Not all problems can be resolved but how you respond can make a huge impact,
Top 5 Google Review Statistics (as of Aug 2025)
87% of customers engage with businesses that have a 3-4 star rating on Google.
73% of consumers only trust reviews written in the last month.
58% of customers report that having a Google Business Profile increases their physical visits.
57.5% of all online reviews are on Google.
Top-ranking businesses on Google have an average of 47 reviews.
The truth is, you will never know how a negative Google review affects your business, but a perfect rating is met with skepticism. Just do good business with integrity, and you'll find the right customers.
I recently got my first 1 star review, and while the initial shock hit me, I knew I had done nothing wrong and that there was a client I could not appease.
I accept this 1-star review because I stood up for myself and my business and now feeling that, I can be more empathetic when I see 1 star reviews going forward.
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