Only 5% of Businesses Respond to Google Reviews — Yet Replying Lifts Conversions by 16%
What happened
New data compiled from multiple 2026 industry studies reveals a stark gap in how businesses handle Google Reviews. Just 5% of businesses respond to their reviews, according to research from Upfirst — despite 93% of consumers expecting a response and 97% reading owner replies when they're present.
The business impact of this gap is measurable. Research from ReplyOnTheFly's 2026 review response analysis shows that businesses responding to 100% of their reviews see conversion rates increase by 16.4% compared to those that don't respond at all. Separately, businesses with at least an 80% response rate capture a 10–20% increase in local search rankings.
Meanwhile, 89% of consumers say they prefer businesses that respond to every review, and 80% say they would actively choose a business that responds to all its reviews over one that doesn't. The data consistently points in one direction: replying matters, and almost nobody does it.
What this means for tradespeople
This is one of the biggest free wins available to UK tradespeople right now. If only 5% of businesses respond to reviews, and you're one of them, you immediately stand out in your local area.
For a plumber or electrician, replying to a 5-star review takes 30 seconds. A simple, genuine response — thanking the customer by name, mentioning the job — signals to future customers that you're professional, attentive, and active. It also signals to Google that your listing is engaged, which feeds into the behavioural and review signals that now carry 20% of local pack ranking weight.
Negative reviews are where responding matters even more. A thoughtful, professional reply to a one-star review doesn't just protect your reputation — it often converts the reader. Homeowners who see a tradesperson handle criticism calmly are more likely to trust them than someone with five stars and no responses.
What to do about it
Respond to every review within 48 hours. Personalise each reply — mention the customer's name and the work you did. Keep positive replies short and grateful. Keep negative replies calm, factual, and professional.
If you're collecting reviews through TapReview, you'll get notified when new reviews come in. Set aside five minutes at the end of each day to reply. That's it — five minutes that could be worth a 16% boost in conversions.
Source: ReplyOnTheFly — Google Review Response Statistics 2026