Many owners ask “How much does reputation management cost?” because they want a clear, simple number.
Most small firms spend a few hundred dollars a month for basic software and a few thousand for hands-on help, while big brands in crisis can pay tens of thousands.
Below is a plain-language guide that breaks down real price ranges, why those prices change, and how you can budget with confidence.
Before we start, we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that reputation management and reviews management are included as part of working with Diffyweb. Just sayin’.
Why You Should Care Before We Talk Price
Online reviews are the new word-of-mouth. BrightLocal found that 76% of shoppers “regularly” read reviews before choosing a local business. A separate 2025 follow-up showed 71% will skip any company with fewer than three stars.
When a Harvard study showed each extra Yelp star can lift restaurant revenue 5-9 percent, it proved reviews are not fluff—they are money. That means the dollars you invest in reputation work can come back fast if done well.
Quick Answer: How Much Does Reputation Management Cost?
| Service Level | Typical Monthly Cost | Good Fit For |
|---|---|---|
| DIY software only | $50–$100 | Solo or start-up shops |
| Hybrid (software + consultant) | $500–$2,500 | Growing local businesses |
| Full-service agency retainer | $3,000–$10,000+ | Multi-location brands |
| Crisis repair projects | $10,000–$80,000+ (one-off or multi-month) | Severe negative news or lawsuits |
These ranges blend data from SurveySparrow, WebFX, ReputationX, and Defamation Defenders.
Pricing Models Explained
1. Software-Only Subscriptions
Tools like ReviewTrackers or Reputation.com charge a flat fee per location, often $151–$500 each month. You get dashboards, alerts, and auto-requests but you still answer reviews yourself.
“Small businesses can expect to pay **$500–$2,500 per month for basic online reputation management services.” – Kate Williams, SurveySparrow
2. Hybrid Packages
A consultant sets up the software, writes response templates, and checks in weekly. NetReputation pegs this blended model at $550-$2,500 per month. (netreputation.com)
3. Full-Service Retainers
Agencies handle everything—monitoring, replying, content, reporting. WebFX lists retainers from $3,000 up to $10,000 per month, depending on locations and volume. BirdEye, Crazy Egg’s top pick, notes some brands spend $15,000+ for national coverage. (crazyegg.com)
4. Crisis & Legal Clean-Up
When a lawsuit, viral post, or defamation site hits, cost jumps fast. Defamation Defenders estimates $5,000–$15,000+ monthly for crisis work, with one-time removals starting at $1,000 and reaching $30,000+. Minc Law cites $5,000-$20,000+ for celebrities or enterprises. (minclaw.com)
Factors That Push Your Price Up or Down
Business Size & Locations
Every address adds profiles to watch. Reputation.com’s per-location pricing shows why a five-store chain pays more than a solo shop.
Review Volume
A busy pizza parlor that grabs 200 reviews a month needs more labor than a B2B consultant with five reviews a quarter.
Current Sentiment
Fixing two negative posts is cheap. Fighting ten pages of harmful press takes months.
Speed & Service Level
24/7 response service costs more than next-day answers, but slow replies lose trust.
Extra Services
SEO, legal takedowns, PR outreach, or social ad boosts layer on fees. Media Search Group notes complexity is the core cost driver. (mediasearchgroup.com)
Hidden Costs to Watch
- Lost Sales: A single bad star may drop revenue 5-9%.
- Team Time: Staff hours spent chasing reviews are real dollars.
- Platform Ads: Some sites charge to promote positive content.
- Legal Fees: Lawsuits over fake reviews can dwarf ORM spend. Minc Law reminds clients that ORM is often cheaper than court. (minclaw.com)
Budget Rules of Thumb
- Start Small: If you’re under 50 reviews, begin with software at ~$100 monthly.
- Step Up at 3+ Locations: Budget at least $1,000-$2,000 for hybrid support.
- Allocate 1-2 percent of gross revenue for reputation if reviews heavily affect sales.
- Set crisis cash aside: Keep one month of full-service costs in reserve.
How to Pick the Right Plan
- List your must-haves: monitoring, responses, removal, SEO, PR.
- Compare demo dashboards. Simpler is better for busy owners.
- Ask for per-location quotes and clear deliverables.
- Read contract terms—avoid long lock-ins unless price drops.
- Measure results every 30 days: rating, review count, search ranking.
For step-by-step tips on review replies, check our guide on how to manage company reviews.
Quick-Action Checklist
- Claim every profile (Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc.).
- Request reviews after each sale.
- Reply to all reviews within 24 hours.
- Flag fake or spam reviews.
- Track rating trend monthly.
- Review spending quarterly.
Final Thoughts
“How much does reputation management cost?” is best answered with ranges, not a single sticker price.
Most small businesses thrive on $500-$2,500 per month, mid-market brands invest $3,000-$10,000, and urgent crises can soar above $20,000. Armed with the numbers above, and a simple plan, you can choose a level that fits your wallet and still keeps stars shining bright.
Or, you can just let us do it for you with our Reviews Management service, which is included in our full-service offering. One price for it all.