How many Google reviews does a local business need?

The benchmark table

These are the targets Plainly’s free visibility check uses. They are estimates, not official Google numbers.

• Hair salon: 4.6★, 120+ reviews
• Café: 4.4★, 300+ reviews
• Clinic: 4.7★, 80+ reviews
• Restaurant: 4.4★, 400+ reviews
• Shop: 4.4★, 100+ reviews

Why new reviews matter more than the total

Customers look at the dates. Ten reviews from last month say “this place is busy and good now”. Two hundred reviews from three years ago say less. A steady trickle — a few every week — beats a big burst once a year.

Replies count too

Google’s own advice to business owners is to reply to reviews. A short, personal reply shows future customers that someone cares — especially under a bad review.

How to get more reviews this month

Ask in person, right after a good visit. Make it one tap: a QR code at the till or a short WhatsApp message with your direct review link.