05/13/2026
This type of post is not usual for me. Even as I prepare it, wondering how it will land. It’s about fake, purchased reviews - usually Google reviews.
I get contacted by companies weekly that want to “create a stronger (or bigger) online presence with authentic feedback from real account holders...”
How in the world can it be authentic if that person has never experienced Hope’s Way?! Or any other business they’re being paid to provide reviews for if they haven’t experienced that business themselves? What good are reviews anymore if they’re fake? Can reviews even remain a helpful tool in the future, once potential customers realize how prolific this practice has become? Aren’t we eventually shooting ourselves in the foot with this?
More importantly, how are we, as a culture, becoming convinced by this version of authenticity? It’s the exact opposite of authenticity. It’s simply fake, not real, no matter how you sugarcoat it, calling it “thoughtful, authentic feedback from real account holders”. Authentic means the real deal, not some thoughtful fabrication.
I get it, & so does my husband - we’ve both created businesses of our own over the years. It’s not easy starting small & building a business based on integrity, producing quality results, building up your reputation as you grow. It takes time & commitment. In the end, though, that’s how you look in the mirror & know you’re living authentically.
Hope’s Way will never purchase Google reviews from any business that offers them. HW’s reviews are from those who have been here, sharing their own experiences. We’ve also chosen not to pay to have unfair negative reviews removed (related to not allowing smoking up by our wooden barn, someone repeatedly setting off our fire alarm, or similar), instead responding with integrity. That way, you get the real us, the real Hope’s Way. We believe real matters for many reasons.
Kelsey & Lucas | Oct 2025
photo .photography
