Do You Even Know What Customers Are Reading About You Online?

Do You Even Know What Customers Are Reading About You Online?

January 24, 20262 min read

Let me hit you with a hard truth:

Your customers already know something about you before they ever shake your hand, walk through your door, or book a call. The real question is—do YOU know what they know? And more importantly… is it true?

You’d be shocked how many businesses have no idea what their digital footprint looks like. They don’t Google themselves. They don’t read the reviews. They don’t check the listings. And because of that, they’re bleeding opportunities—and don’t even know it.

This isn’t a “marketing tip.”

This is business hygiene.

This is reputation defense.

This is making sure you’re not getting beat by a ghost of yourself that doesn’t even exist anymore.

Every time I take on a new client, one of the first things I do is look them up online—like a customer would. And let me tell you, the disconnect between who they say they are and how they show up online? It's wild.

Sometimes the business is BETTER than the reviews or listings suggest. Sometimes the business is worse. And sometimes what’s online is just plain wrong—like it was generated by AI in 2009.

Here's the 3-Step Reality Check You Need Right Now:

1. Audit Everywhere You Exist Online

Start with your own website. Then go to:

Google Business Profile

Yelp

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Healthgrades

ZocDoc

Vitals

WebMD

BBB

Bing Places

Yellow Pages (yes, still a thing)

Local chamber websites

Industry directories

AI-generated databases like Manta, Nextdoor, and Foursquare

Anywhere your business is mentioned—you need to own it.

2. Check for Accuracy and Alignment

Ask yourself:

Is the address correct?

Are the hours up to date?

Do the photos reflect your current space and team?

Are services listed correctly?

Do the bios reflect current team members?

Are your links functional?

Are you making it clear how to book, call, or buy?

If anything is inaccurate, vague, or confusing—you just lost a potential client.

3. Engage With Every Review—Yes, EVERY Review

Good? Say thank you.

Bad? Respond professionally and show you care.

Ugly? Keep your composure and respond with empathy and facts.

You’re not writing for the reviewer—you’re writing for the next 100 people who read it.

You don’t need to be perfect. You need to make progress.

This is not a one-time project—it’s a recurring task. Like brushing your teeth. You do it because you value what happens if you don’t.

Let me make it simple:

✅ Correct misinformation.

✅ Make it insanely easy for customers to work with you.

✅ Be proactive, not reactive.

If you're serious about scaling, stop ignoring the storefront that gets more foot traffic than your actual front door.

Your online presence is the silent salesperson that speaks before you ever do.

Make sure it’s saying the right thing.

Want help with this? Let’s book a strategy session.

Kevin Johnson, CEO

Kevin Johnson, CEO

Kevin Johnson, is the CEO of Leverage Consulting, and a 25-year industry leader who specializes in customizing strategies for business practices of all sizes, boosting efficiency and profitability.

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