A solid online reputation isn't just for individuals but matters for companies, which is why reviews matter. Luckily, a more structured online presence strategy that includes directly asking for online reviews, highlighting social proof, utilizing all available profiles from Yelp to Google Business, and providing direct review links can help small business bookings go from zero to fully booked.
Why Do Reviews Matter for Online Reputation?
Word of mouth is still a highly powerful tool. It can influence whether an independent movie becomes a sleeper hit, which restaurant becomes the latest it-spot for brunch, or what will be the hottest product trend for skin care or weight loss this year.
Thanks to social media and review sites, word of mouth heavily takes place online in a globally connected world. According to Bright Local, as many as 97% of consumers read online reviews to gauge trust in a service or product, so they act as good as direct personal recommendations.
Company profiles with active reviews and responses can also rank higher in Google. When businesses take the time to respond to reviews, it's part of customer engagement. Doing so shows consumers that the brand cares about their opinion, satisfaction, and is willing to listen to them to improve what's needed.
What Steps Can Small Businesses Use to Get Online Feedback?
Remind customers to leave reviews after service. This can happen in person, such as at the check-out counter of a hotel. For example, many airport bathrooms have screens that allow customers to click on various face emojis to describe the level of service, such as cleanliness.
Create a QR code that links to your company's Google Business profile to display on receipts, tables, and at counters. A personalized email that thanks customers for their business can include a direct link to a review platform.
How Can I Use These Online Reviews to Impact Business?
Don't get sensitive about criticism, as it's part of free market research. Use positive and negative feedback equally for customer insights, so you can identify patterns about what needs to be eliminated or enhanced.
By highlighting verified feedback, you can also improve your overall credibility with the public. Additionally, don't be pressed about getting a five-star ranking, as it may create skepticism with the public. Research from Northwestern indicates it is best to have a 4.2 to 4.5 ranking.
Having more reviews also improves your company's SEO, which will boost your rankings. The more people who view your company profile, the more potential business it can bring in. Therefore, small businesses should also have a review strategy that involves focusing on generating reviews for higher-priced or unfamiliar items.
With the help of small business marketing companies, you have experts who know the right tactics to generate and highlight those reviews.
Boost Business Visibility With the Right Tactics
Your business's online reputation matters as it can make or break sales and customer relations. That's why you should never underestimate the value of regular feedback and use various methods to solicit such and highlight them on your profiles. From boosting your Google presence to free market research, reviews can take a company to a new level.
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