02/19/2026
π¨ The latest BrightLocal Consumer Review Survey just dropped, and local business owners need to see these numbers.
41% of consumers now ALWAYS read reviews before choosing a business β up from just 29% last year. That's a 41% jump in one year.
But here's what really caught my attention:
π± 45% of people now use ChatGPT for local business recommendations (up from 6% last year)
β 83% of customers will leave a review when asked
π Consumers are now checking an average of 6 different review sites before making decisions
The game has changed. Your customers aren't just Googling you anymore β they're asking AI.
The question is: When ChatGPT recommends businesses in your area, does YOUR name come up?
If you're not sure, drop a comment or DM me. We help local businesses get found where customers are actually looking β Google Maps, Google Search, AND the new AI platforms.
Your reviews and online presence have never mattered more. π