All Episodes

July 11, 2025 2 mins

5 Stars, No Notes

Episode #11

Is perfection possible? Should it be the goal? Hear why chasing only 5 star reviews can backfire.

TRANSCRIPT:

Paul: Welcome to the Feedback Hack, where we dissect the world of customer reviews and feedback to help businesses navigate the choppy waters of customer satisfaction. I’m Paul, your host.

Jason: And I’m Jason. Today, we’re diving into the myth of the perfect customer experience and why a 5-star rating isn’t always a good thing.

Paul: That’s right, Jason. It’s a bit of a paradox, isn’t it? We all strive for perfection, but when it comes to customer reviews, is it even possible to achieve that mythical 5-star rating without some hiccups along the way?

Jason: Absolutely. In fact, we’ll be exploring why chasing only 5-star reviews can actually backfire and what businesses can do to build a more authentic and credible reputation.

Paul: So, let’s get into the main discussion. Why do you think some businesses are so focused on getting only 5-star reviews?

Jason: Well, it’s all about perception, Paul. In today’s digital age, online reviews are often the first impression a potential customer has of a business. So, it’s understandable that businesses want to put their best foot forward and show that they’re perfect in the eyes of their customers.

Paul: But, as we’ll discuss, that pursuit of perfection can be problematic. So, let’s talk about why chasing only 5-star reviews can backfire.

Jason: Sure. For starters, it can create an unrealistic expectation for customers. No business is perfect, and when customers see only 5-star reviews, they may start to wonder if something is being hidden or if the reviews are fake. This can actually lead to a loss of trust.

Paul: And that’s not all. Chasing only 5-star reviews can also discourage honest, useful feedback. Customers may feel like they need to give a glowing review to be heard, rather than providing constructive criticism that can help the business improve.

Jason: Exactly. And that’s where the value of mixed reviews comes in. When a business has a mix of 4-star, 3-star, and even some lower reviews, it shows that they’re not afraid to embrace honest feedback and that they’re willing to listen and improve.

Paul: And that’s what we’ll be talking about next. The importance of encouraging honest, useful feedback over inflated praise.

Jason: Absolutely. Because, in the end, the best reputation is an authentic one, not a perfect one.

Paul: Before we wrap up, we’ve got a data drop for you. Did you know that according to recent studies, businesses with an average rating of 4.2 to 4.7 stars are perceived as more authentic and trustworthy than those with all 5-star reviews?

Jason: That’s right. It’s all about balance. Too much perfection can actually be a red flag for customers.

Paul: So, there you have it. The best reputation is an authentic one, not a perfect one. When businesses embrace honest feedback and strive for continuous improvement, they can build a more credible and trustworthy brand.

Jason: And that’s the Feedback Hack. Thanks for joining us today, and we’ll see you next time.

Paul: Take care, and remember: It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being authentic.



Drive more customer feedback and grow your brand with Reviews UP — the all-in-one business review software and experience platform designed to help companies elevate their online reputation. Whether you're a small business or an enterprise, our system makes it easy to collect & manage business reviews. Follow: Youtube. Facebook & LinkedIn.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.