A recent study done by Bright Local says that at least 92 percent of consumers rely on online reviews before making a decision about whether or not to do business with a local shop or restaurant. But the study also shows that todays consumers are becoming aware and concerned about fake reviews, and in order for reviews to be taken seriously, reviewers should follow a few simple guidelines.

Asking customers to leave reviews for your local business is one of the most important things you can do to get your shop seen online, says a spokesman from FindUsLocal, a [local business directory](http://www.finduslocal.com/) that uses GEO technology to match visitors locations with the results they see on the page. But business owners should also educate their customers about how to leave a review thats taken seriously.

Experts agree that todays consumers are smarter about fake reviews and dont take them into account when making a decision about whether or not to do business with a shop or restaurant. They say that when leaving a review on a [local search directory](http://www.finduslocal.com/), people should keep their emotions out of it, state only the facts that will help people decide whether or not to do business with the shop, and ensure that theyve checked the grammar and spelling in their review.

If people would pay attention to these rules, he says, Not only would their reviews be taken more seriously, but it would help others who are on the fence about the business.

About FindUsLocal: FindUsLocal uses geolocation technology in visitors browsers to construct a home page focused on their city, town or community. Right there on the front page, theyll find local weather, sports results for their favorite teams, and announcements of the top musical acts and events coming to their city. Smart business owners list their businesses on the site to be seen by those who are specifically looking for businesses in their local area.