In this blast-from-the-past episode of Digital Marketing Masters, I revisit one of our earliest conversations on a topic that still matters today: online reviews. We break down why reviews feel so personal for business owners, what you actually can and can’t do when a bad review appears, and how to tell the difference between a frustrating negative review and something that may violate a platform’s terms of service. I also add a modern update on how review platforms now rely heavily on automated systems, and how understanding the platform’s reporting categories gives you the best chance of getting an inappropriate review removed.

We also dig into practical ways to earn more positive reviews without gaming the system. The core message is simple: deliver genuinely great service, go above and beyond when problems happen, follow up with customers, and ask for feedback consistently. From email and text follow-ups to review funnels and recovery strategies for unhappy customers, this episode is packed with actionable advice for protecting your reputation and turning reviews into a real marketing asset.

Looking for a podcast guest? Author Matt Rouse
Hook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing Canada
Market your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot