1-Star Google Reviews Can Help Your Business. Here’s Why.

As a business owner, it’s devastating to get a negative review.

You see something you’ve worked so hard and long for, get minimized to one yellow star on a screen.

Well, I have good news for you: One-star reviews can actually help grow your brand and build your business.

The first thing you need to realize is that everyone expects businesses to get negative reviews. (Remember the Karen effect?) We know that human nature is fickle and people like to complain. In 2024, a negative review is unlikely to shock anyone considering doing business with you.

So, that’s reason #1: People are used to seeing negative reviews.

The question is not whether or not you get negative reviews, but what is the reasoning behind it? This is what consumers are looking for. Who was at fault? You or the customer? (And yes, the customer can be wrong.)

Let’s look at two real-life examples:

In the first instance, Nicholas comes across as unfair and uptight. He expects to waltz into a busy restaurant at 7:30 pm and be seated immediately. Most readers will interpret this review as someone being entitled, and take note to either arrive early or make reservations.

Todd, on the other hand, gives us pause. Do I really want to dine at a restaurant where the ribs have worms? That kind of risk isn’t worth taking. These are the types of reviews you want to steer clear of.

However, the first review can be easily handled. People want to believe the best and will filter out reviews from entitled individuals. Don’t let these one-star reviews get you down — because people can see through them and don’t care.

In fact, it might even help your business! If this is the only bad thing about the restaurant, with no mention of food quality, it actually reflects well. The review states the place was so full that the reviewer didn’t even eat. So imagine how good the food must be!

These are the one-star reviews you want.

And that’s reason #2: Negative reviews can attract the right customers.

When the average person researches on Google, they don’t dissect all 154 reviews. They typically read a 5-star and a 1-star review. This is the only data they need. Sure, it might be flawed, but that’s what people do.

If your one-star review doesn’t strike fear into your target customer, then you’re in good shape. It’s not hurting your business and might even help it.

That’s what Snowbird Ski Resort did with their recent marketing campaign. They used real one-star reviews to attract the right customers.

Now, that’s funny right there!

Negative reviews can highlight who your business is not for, and that’s a good thing. By clearly defining your audience through such reviews, you can attract the right customers who appreciate what you offer and deter those who might not.

That’s why you no longer have to fear the negative review. It’s 2024. People are going to complain. Learn to embrace it and move forward.