Just wondering what reason there is for leaving google reviews everywhere you go?

[Tumtr]

been looking at reviews for the hotel we have booked to stay in. I haven’t really properly looked at the google review system before. But I noticed you can click on the people who review. And then look at all their previous reviews and they have a certain number of followers etc. it just got me wondering about it all. I am not really very social media savvy. But the sceptic in me wonders where if they stay somewhere and have lots of followers, could they ask for discounts etc in exchange for leaving a good review? I am just wondering how much these reviews can be trusted. Or do people just do it pure and simply cos they like to rate the places they stay?

I am not meaning to judge people. Of course it’s fine to do just for fun. I just wondered if there were any other reasons. And how to spot genuine reviews

I do it for local small businesses because I know they need a boost and I know reviews are helpful for me when I'm looking for services.

I write them because I use them to choose places for myself.

I always try to leave reviews (not just google) because I find them very useful & I’m always thankful for them when I’m trying to make a decision on something myself so I try to “pass it on” so to speak.

I've done a few, good and bad, majority good. If it's a small business I think they could maybe do with a boost, and hopefully it helps other people. i know I look for reviews when going somewhere/getting something.

I've done one or two stinkers of reviews though, all factually true and they deserved it.

I don't bother reviewing everywhere I go though, sometimes there is nothing much to say.

Thanks. Sounds like it is just as it appears then. I was just intrigued cos I clicked on some to see if they had rated any restaurants in the area and noticed they had done thousands of reviews and had “followers” which got me wondering whether there is more purpose to it. Like on instagram/youtube etc. there is a financial gain to building followers. But good to hear it’s just people sharing their opinions. It’s good to improve quality of service I think

I have quite a lot of Google reviews. I'm classed as a local guide and I've got something crazy like 400,000 views of my reviews.

No, I don't do it to get a discount or any clout. I don't benefit from it at all. I just happen to go to a lot of venues and don't mind posting a bit of information for other people along with a photo I've taken. I wouldn't even know how many people had viewed them if it didn't pop up as a notification. My only motivation is trying to be helpful.

I write a review if the service and/or food are particularly good, especially if it's a small business. I also wrote one for McDonald's though, I mean the food is what it is but when I was a bit confused after a hospital visit the staff at our nearest one were so kind that I wanted to acknowledge that.

Same as me.

Sounds quite good fun seeing how many views you get. I might start doing it myself