Is 3.9 Out of 5 Stars Good?
Many business owners ask:
“Is 3.9 out of 5 stars good?”
The answer depends on the industry, number of reviews, and customer expectations.
Most people check ratings before choosing a business on Google. The star rating often determines whether customers click on your business or choose a competitor.
In general, 3.9 stars is considered average, but it may not attract as many customers as higher ratings.
Let’s break down what a 3.9 rating really means.
⭐ Understanding Star Ratings
Online review platforms use a 1 to 5 star rating system.
Here is how customers usually interpret ratings:
⭐ 4.7 – 5.0 stars
Excellent reputation
⭐ 4.3 – 4.6 stars
Very strong rating
⭐ 4.0 – 4.2 stars
Good business
⭐ 3.5 – 3.9 stars
Average rating
⭐ Below 3.5 stars
Customers may be cautious
A 3.9 rating sits near the average range, which means some customers had good experiences while others had issues.
📊 How Customers View a 3.9 Rating
Studies show that many customers prefer businesses with 4 stars or higher.
When people search for services in competitive areas like New York City, they often compare ratings quickly.
For example:
- Business A → 4.8 stars
- Business B → 4.5 stars
- Business C → 3.9 stars
Most customers will click the first two options.
That’s why businesses work hard to maintain ratings above 4.2 or 4.5 stars.
📌 Why Businesses End Up With a 3.9 Rating

Several factors can lead to a 3.9 rating.
Mixed Customer Experiences
Some customers had great experiences while others did not.
A Few Negative Reviews
Even a few 1-star or 2-star reviews can lower the average.
Small Number of Reviews
If a business has only 10–20 reviews, each review has a bigger impact.
📌 How to Improve a 3.9 Rating
If your rating is 3.9, the good news is that it can improve quickly.
Ask Happy Customers for Reviews

Many satisfied customers simply forget to leave feedback.
Using your Google Business Profile, you can send customers a direct review link.
Example message:
“Thank you for choosing us. If you enjoyed your experience, we would appreciate a quick review.”
Respond to Negative Reviews
Always respond politely to complaints.
Example:
“Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry about your experience and would like to make things right.”
Responding shows future customers that you care.
Improve Customer Experience
Focus on areas customers mention in reviews.
Common improvements include:
- Faster service
- Better communication
- Higher product quality
Happy customers lead to better ratings.
Collect Reviews Consistently
The best way to raise your rating is by collecting more positive reviews over time.
Even 10–20 new 5-star reviews can increase your average rating significantly.
You can read more about managing reviews here:
https://support.google.com/business/
📊 What Is a Good Rating for a Business?
Here is a general guide:
| Rating | Customer Perception |
|---|---|
| 4.7 – 5.0 | Excellent |
| 4.3 – 4.6 | Very good |
| 4.0 – 4.2 | Good |
| 3.5 – 3.9 | Average |
| Below 3.5 | Poor |
Most businesses aim for 4.5 stars or higher.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3.9 considered a bad rating?
Not necessarily, but it is slightly below what most customers prefer.
Can a 3.9 rating improve?
Yes. With more positive reviews, the rating can increase quickly.
Do ratings affect local SEO?
Yes. Reviews are an important ranking factor.
How many reviews should a business have?
Many strong businesses have 50–200 reviews or more.
Should businesses respond to reviews?
Yes. Responding builds trust with customers.
What rating attracts the most customers?
Most customers prefer businesses with 4.5 stars or higher.
🎯 Final Thoughts
So, is 3.9 out of 5 stars good?
It’s considered average, but there is room for improvement.
By delivering great service, asking satisfied customers for reviews, and responding to feedback, businesses can raise their ratings and attract more customers.
Over time, consistent positive reviews can turn a 3.9 rating into a strong reputation online.
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