Google and other reviews do matter. Nothing too surprising about that. They serve as online social proof that your business and services are trustworthy. Now there are many fake reviews out there. But most people are wise enough to spot them. As a business owner though, you want to encourage your customers to leave reviews, but when you do, give them a hint about what to write - specifically ask them to mention the product or service you offer and why they liked it. By doing that little extra you not only help customers overcome their writer block, you end up with reviews that are more meaningful and less likely to appear to be fake. These have one other benefit, Google in particular will occasionally display reviews in organic search results and frequently does so on the Google 3 Pack. These relevant results to search queries are powerful when found by potential customers. How to ask? Some people include leaflets or business card sized notes in their customers bags at the carryout, others print requests on their sales tapes. There are several semi automated systems where all you do is once a day, or even once a week, insert the customers first name and email address into a system that reaches out to customers. I prefer the later, but any systematic system will pay for itself in more and better reviews, assuming you deserve them. And always respond to reviews, good and bad. When you get a bad one, take it with a grain of salt if need be, but be polite in responding. And learn from the negatives, They teach you how to improve your business. And that is a good thing,