Early testing of Google’s AI Mode—rolled out to users in the U.S. and India in late June 2025—suggests it’s transforming how search results are surfaced. Powered by Gemini 2.5, this mode appears to analyze your question and explore multiple sources and angles behind the scenes (a process known as “query fan-out”) to generate a synthesized answer — rather than relying solely on the traditional top-ten blue links.

What sets AI Mode apart?

• It extracts and cites data from live web resources, making it more likely to show businesses with top-rated profiles.

• Early tests reveal that typed queries like “top custom integration marketing company Florida” in Google’s AI Mode (when signed into a personal account) prominently surface companies with 4.9+ star ratings on their Google Business Profiles — such as One Firefly — while omitting lower-rated competitors.

The Power of Reviews: Numbers You Can’t Ignore

Reviews Drive SEO & Trust

• 80% of consumers use their smartphones to check reviews even while in-store.

• Search engines simplify: Google counts fresh, high‑quality reviews as signals for local ranking and visibility, especially vital in AI Mode.

Reputation = Revenue

• Businesses with nine or more current reviews see, on average, 52% more revenue; with 25+, revenue jumps to 108%.

• Consumers spend 31% more when buying from highly reviewed businesses.

• Displaying reviews increases conversion by up to 270%.

Responding Matters

• 56% of consumers change their opinion about a business if they’ve seen how it responds to reviews.

• 93% of customers expect a response to their review.

Balanced Feedback Builds Trust

• 68% distrust perfect 5‑star profiles unless many reviews support it.

• Shoppers trust moderate‑high ratings more than near‑perfect scores—full 5‑stars can seem suspicious.

Beware of Fake Reviews

• Fake reviews influenced an estimated $152 billion in purchases globally during COVID‑era shopping sprees.

• Google, FTC, and platforms like Yelp are stepping up enforcement, emphasizing the importance of authentic review collection.

What This Means for AV & Integration Dealers

1. Visibility Starts with Star Ratings

In AI Mode, ratings of 4.9 stars or higher are emerging as a threshold for visibility. Maintaining that demographic is non-negotiable.

2. Fresh, Genuine Reviews Help You Win

Google prioritizes the frequency and recency of reviews. A consistent stream of honest feedback boosts credibility.

3. Active Engagement Signals Quality

Responding quickly and thoughtfully to positive or negative reviews shows ongoing customer care and improves SEO.

Expert Perspective

“We’re seeing firsthand how review quantity and quality can make or break visibility in AI-generated results,” says Katie Frogge, Lead Account Manager & Product Owner for Review Champ, One Firefly’s review generation tool. 

“Dealers who commit to a smart review strategy—and use tools like Review Champ to automate the process—are seeing higher GBP ratings, consistent client sentiment, and improved search visibility in AI Mode.”

How to Build—and Maintain—Top-Tier Online Reputation

1. Embed reviews into project wrap-ups: Train teams to prompt satisfied clients at project completion. A simple ask yields big returns.

2. Automate with Review Champ: Schedule automated review invitations and reminders. Centralize review management and respond quickly—all within one platform.

3. Respond to every review: Thank reviewers and address concerns, even one-star feedback. It signals sincerity, not defensiveness.

4. Prioritize quality over volume: Use Review Champ to first target loyal, recent clients. Authentic reviews from real customers matter more than high volume.

5. Monitor platforms beyond Google: Strong GBP performance is critical, but consider Yelp, Facebook, and industry sites too. AI Mode and SEO tend to favor comprehensive reputations.

6. Audit reviews for authenticity: Track suspicious patterns and don’t rely on incentivized or fake reviews. Platforms penalize inflated ecosystems—Google and FTC enforcement are increasing. 

Learning More with One Firefly

This blog isn’t a sales pitch—it’s about giving you the context, data, and processes to take control of your online reputation in today’s evolving search landscape. Reviews are now a strategic asset, not an afterthought.

If you’re ready to optimize your GBP reviews without the busywork, Review Champ offers a streamlined, automated approach—built by One Firefly, designed for integration with dealers like you.

Want to support your strategy with a free audit, tips checklist, or template? Just reply here—we’re happy to share.

TL;DR

• Google AI Mode filters for 4.9+ star GBP profiles—ratings matter more than ever.

• Up-to-date, authentic reviews increase visibility, conversions, and revenue.

• An effective review strategy includes collection, response, and management.

• Automated tools like Review Champ help you scale without adding manual effort.

Let’s help your business thrive in the age of AI-driven search. Let me know if you’d like to add infographics, case studies, or a downloadable resource—we can keep building on this!