We live in an age where everybody can have their say. From a meal in a restaurant to your experience at the dentist’s office, ratings and reviews are part of the fabric of doing business in the information age.
Online reviews: everybody’s doing it
In a typical scenario, we look for a product or service on the web and rely on search engine results to narrow the field. We then look at our choices, paying attention to what others think of each company before we make our choice.
The question is: what do your online reviews say about your business?
Why you should pay attention to your online reviews
If your company’s online reviews haven’t been on your radar, they should be. Here are the top five reasons why online reviews are important for your small business:
1. Online reviews build credibility
The more online reviews your company has, the more credible it will appear to be. Ninety percent of consumers today will look for and read online reviews before buying from a business. Most of these people trust online reviews more than they do a recommendation from a friend or family member.
2. Online reviews boost SEO
If you depend on people finding you through search engine results, online reviews can help. The more web activity around your brand name—on and off your website—the more authority the search engines will give you. This means that the more online reviews you have, the better you will rank on Google, this translates to more traffic and more business for you.
3. Online reviews make your business better
Online reviews give you unbiased feedback on your products and services. Knowing how your customers feel about what you do, good or bad, can help you develop a more meaningful relationship with them. Respond to your online reviews to show past customers that they have been heard, and to show future customers that you are paying attention.
4. Lack of online reviews may work against you
Studies show that most people will likely not purchase from a company that does not have any online reviews. Unless you offer something incredibly unique, if you have no online reviews, you may not even show up in an internet search at all.
5. Excellent online reviews translate to revenue
Statistically, consumers tend to spend 30 percent more on companies that have a four-star or better rating. Raising your star level even one point can translate to a 10 percent increase in sales.
In conclusion, online reviews should be a strategic component of your small business marketing strategy. Encourage your customers to rate and review, and be sure to respond to each comment, even if it’s just to say thank you!
Visit Business Workspaces in El Dorado Hills to find out how we can support your small business needs.
