Harvard Business School researcher Michael Luca analyzed Yelp ratings across Seattle restaurants. Independent venues with a one star lift saw revenue grow between 5 and 9 percent in the working paper. That finding inspired the free Review Revenue Calculator so you can see how higher scores might influence your own numbers. Yelp is referenced here only as the research source, not as a supported platform.

What the Harvard study tells local operators

  • Focus: 3,500 restaurant observations from 2003 to 2009
  • Key link: every full star increase correlated with 5 to 9 percent more revenue
  • Biggest impact: independent restaurants, where guests rely heavily on peer feedback

The research is correlational. It is not a guarantee, but it is a grounded baseline.

What to watch in your own business

The lift is rarely just about the star count. It also tracks with your volume, your response habits, and how fast you fix repeat issues. Use the calculator to test a range, then look for the operational levers you can actually control.

See your revenue potential in three minutes

The calculator uses your inputs and published lift ranges to estimate possible impact. You will see:

  • A projection of current revenue at risk
  • Estimated lift based on conservative and moderate scenarios
  • A platform-by-platform view so you know where to focus

Review the full assumptions any time: See how it works

Sample scenarios (illustrative)

Local Bistro (Portland):

  • Current: 4.2 stars, 127 Google Maps reviews, $45K monthly revenue
  • Target: 4.6 stars, eight new reviews per month
  • Estimated monthly lift: $2,850 based on a 6% revenue delta

Boutique Hotel (Austin):

  • Current: 4.1 stars, 89 TripAdvisor reviews, $180K monthly revenue
  • Target: 4.5 stars, 12 new reviews per month
  • Estimated monthly lift: $12,600 using a blended 7% lift band

These calculations rely on the Harvard ranges and your own revenue inputs. Actual results depend on capacity, competition, and execution.

Why we offer the tool for free

Operators deserve clarity before investing time. The calculator shows the upside first so you can decide if a structured review routine is worth the effort. If it is, use Reviato to track themes, spot trends, and fix the issues that keep showing up.

Methodology in brief

  • Uses your inputs for ratings and revenue
  • Applies published lift ranges from the Harvard research
  • Lets you test conservative, moderate, and stretch targets

Use it as a planning tool, then compare the estimate against your real results over time.

Ready to check your numbers?

The Review Revenue Calculator follows four steps:

  1. Add your Google Maps and TripAdvisor URLs
  2. Add current monthly revenue and reasonable targets
  3. View projected revenue lift and supporting assumptions
  4. Share the estimate with your team

No email is required for the quick estimate unless you want to save scenarios.

See my revenue estimate

Need a faster estimate focused on Google only? Try the Google Reviews Calculator.

Assumptions and limits

Estimates are correlational and based on public data plus published research. Upside depends on implementation, staffing levels, competition, and seasonality. Results are not guaranteed.

Ethical ways to improve reviews

  • Ask for honest feedback right after service using QR codes or SMS links
  • Share a short, direct Google Maps link so guests complete the review quickly
  • Reply with specifics and a next step instead of generic templates
  • Fix recurring issues first, whether that means wait times or housekeeping
  • Never offer incentives or discounts in exchange for reviews

For deeper tactics, read Ethical Review Requests and Online Reviews Guide.

The Review Revenue Calculator is free and based on published research and public data. No signup is required for basic estimates. Built by Reviato to help restaurants and hotels turn reviews into revenue.