AI + Reviews = Revenue: How to Turn Feedback Into Your Best Sales Tool
- Dorien Morin-van Dam
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
When we think about AI and sales, the conversation usually jumps straight to automation, lead scoring, or cold outreach.
But in my recent conversation with Jeff Schwerdt, CEO of Reviewly.ai, we tackled a different angle.
We talked about how to use AI and customer reviews to drive real, measurable sales. And let me tell you: this is one strategy that local businesses, agencies, and even enterprise brands can’t afford to ignore.
About the Guest: Jeff Schwerdt is a retired F-16 pilot turned SaaS founder. He runs Reviewly.ai, an AI-powered platform that helps businesses generate and respond to online reviews, turning what most see as “reputation” into a high-converting sales tool.
The Sales Power Hidden in Reviews
Every business has a Google Business Profile. Whether you've claimed it or not, it's out there. Guess what? People are checking it.
"The average business has fewer than 40 reviews," Jeff told me. "But customers expect to see over 100."
That gap? It’s costing you leads.
In today’s world, your reviews are your first impression. But it’s not just about the star rating—it’s about what’s written and how you respond. Jeff calls it “social proof at scale.”
"If you're not responding to reviews, you're leaving sales on the table. The way you reply, even to negative reviews, can win over future customers."
How AI Supercharges Review Collection and Response
Let’s be honest: not everyone loves to write. That includes your happy customers and your busy sales team.
That’s where AI comes in.
Jeff’s platform uses AI to:
Prompt customers with well-written review suggestions
Insert key phrases and SEO-rich terms naturally
Help business owners write thoughtful, calm replies—especially to 1-star reviews
"AI removes the emotion from your response and replaces it with something professional, clear, and strategic."
And no, it’s not about fully automating replies. Jeff is big on keeping the human element intact:
"AI should assist, not replace. It gives you a strong draft—then you personalize it."
The 4-100 Rule for Review-Driven Growth
One of my favorite moments in our chat was when Jeff introduced this concept:
If you have fewer than 40 reviews, you're below average.
If you have fewer than 100, you're below customer expectations.
If you have fewer than your top competitor, you’re losing ground.
He calls this the 4 100 Rule, and it's a smart way to set goals.
"You don’t need 1,000 reviews overnight. You need a process. Ask every customer. Make it easy. Reward consistency."
Make Reviews a Daily SOP
For review generation to actually drive revenue, it can’t be a “whenever we remember” task. Jeff recommends building it into your Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Here are a few ideas he shared:
Use NFC-enabled review cards at checkout
Set up text-based review requests after appointments
Respond to every single review—especially the negative ones
The key is regularity. "Google rewards businesses that show consistent activity on their profile," Jeff said. "And AI helps you keep that going without the burnout."
Turn Negative Reviews into Sales Opportunities
Here’s the part most people overlook: your worst reviews can bring in your best leads—if you handle them well.
Jeff told a story about a shark diving company that got a bad review (because, well, sharks don’t always show up on cue). But the company’s thoughtful response? It convinced another customer to book with them.
"People read your responses. A calm, respectful reply to a 1-star review can close the next deal."
Actionable Tips to Use AI and Reviews for Sales
Here are six practical ways you can get started today:
Claim your Google Business Profile if you haven’t already
Save your review link somewhere easy to access (and send!)
Use AI to generate custom review requests via text or email
Create AI-generated drafts for responses—but always review before posting
Set monthly review goals (e.g., 10 new reviews per location)
Use review feedback in your marketing copy—those are real customer pain points and selling points
10 Smart follow up Prompts to Ask ChatGPT Based on This Blog
How can I write better Google review requests using AI?
What should I say when responding to a 1-star review?
How do I build an SOP for collecting customer reviews?
What’s the best way to turn reviews into social media content?
How can AI help with local SEO through reviews?
What’s the 4-100 rule in online reviews?
How do I use reviews to improve my sales messaging?
What tools help with automating review follow-ups?
How can I track ROI from online reviews?
What’s the right way to ask for a review without sounding pushy?
Want to see how Jeff Schwerdt does it in real time? Watch the full interview below and learn how to turn your reviews into revenue.
