Your Google reviews aren't just testimonials—they can be powerful business assets working for you 24/7. In this episode, Jennie Bellinger sits down with Mary Theresa McLean, founder of Rising Review, to talk about how small business owners can turn Google reviews into trust, visibility, stronger customer relationships, and ultimately more revenue. After more than four decades as an entrepreneur, Mary Theresa has seen marketing evolve dramatically, but she believes one of today's most powerful strategies is also one of the simplest: consistently asking customers for honest reviews and then actually responding to them. Mary Theresa explains the importance of review velocity, why thoughtful responses can be just as valuable as the original review, and how businesses can ethically encourage feedback without crossing the line into review manipulation. She and Jennie also explore how reviews, AI, and what Mary Theresa calls a business's "source of truth" may work together as consumers increasingly turn to AI to discover and evaluate businesses.
Your Google reviews aren't just testimonials—they can be powerful business assets working for you 24/7.
In this episode, Jennie Bellinger sits down with Mary Theresa McLean, founder of Rising Review, to talk about how small business owners can turn Google reviews into trust, visibility, stronger customer relationships, and ultimately more revenue. After more than four decades as an entrepreneur, Mary Theresa has seen marketing evolve dramatically, but she believes one of today's most powerful strategies is also one of the simplest: consistently asking customers for honest reviews and then actually responding to them.
Mary Theresa explains the importance of review velocity, why thoughtful responses can be just as valuable as the original review, and how businesses can ethically encourage feedback without crossing the line into review manipulation. She and Jennie also explore how reviews, AI, and what Mary Theresa calls a business's "source of truth" may work together as consumers increasingly turn to AI to discover and evaluate businesses.
“People are starting to look for businesses that respond to their reviews.” — Mary Theresa McLean
Founder, Rising Review | Entrepreneur | Google Review Strategist
Mary Theresa has been an entrepreneur since 1983 and has spent decades learning and applying real-world marketing strategies for small businesses. Today, through Rising Review, she helps small business owners use reviews, responses, and simple systems to strengthen their online presence, build trust, and turn customer feedback into opportunities for growth.
Get Mary's AI Readiness Audit that helps establish a business’ Source of Truth
Take the audit here: https://risingreview.com/grow