Blog
Guides on reviews and reputation
Practical advice for local business owners and the customers choosing them.
All articles
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For owners
How to Get More Google Reviews Without Breaking the Rules
How to get more Google reviews with a routine any local business can run, plus what Google's policy and the FTC rule allow, restrict and flatly prohibit.
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For owners
How to Respond to a Bad Review Without Making It Worse
How to respond to a bad review with a calm four-part reply, what research shows, what privacy law forbids and when Google will actually remove a review.
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For owners
What Is a Good Google Rating for a Local Business?
What counts as a good Google rating in 2026? See what customers require, why 4.5 is the practical target, why 5.0 can raise doubts and how to move your score.
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For owners
Why Google Review Volume Matters as Much as Your Rating
Google review volume shapes trust and local ranking. See what the research says, why the first reviews count most and how many reviews a business needs.
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For owners
Google Business Profile Checklist for Local Businesses
Use this Google Business Profile checklist to verify your listing, fix your core details, choose categories and keep your profile accurate, step by step.
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For customers
How to Choose an Auto Repair Shop You Can Trust
Learn how to choose an auto repair shop you can trust, from reading reviews and checking credentials to written estimates, warranties and state rules.
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For customers
How to Spot Fake Reviews Before You Trust a Business
Learn how to spot fake reviews with checks that actually hold up, why no single sign is proof, and how to report a suspect review to Google and the FTC.
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For owners
Business Award Marketing That Holds Up to Scrutiny
Business award marketing works when the claim is accurate and easy to check. Where to place an award, how to word it and which FTC and Google rules apply.
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For owners
Are Business Awards Worth It? How to Judge Any Program
Are business awards worth it? Seven criteria for judging any program, what research says about their value and when a fee should stop you. Includes ABR's own.
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About ABR
How the Business Recognition Score Works, Step by Step
The business recognition score explained with real math. See the formula, why reviews cap at 250, the three minimums and worked examples you can check.
See where your business stands
Check your score with the same formula we use. It is free.