Do Online Reviews Really Matter? (Yes, they do!) - Inside Track with David Dwyer
A Guide to Boosting Your Online Business Reviews
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The Importance of Online Customer Reviews
Reviews are more than just feedback from your customers. They shape how potential customers see your business and directly impact whether they will purchase your products or services.
Consider this: 49% of consumers trust online reviews on the same level they trust personal recommendations from friends and family. This highlights just how critical it is for businesses to develop a robust online reputation.
Good reviews build trust and credibility – both factors essential for attracting new customers. Some even argue that positive reviews boost search engine rankings, making it easier for people to find their business online.
When search engines, such as Google, see that your business is reputable, it can potentially lead to higher sales, and ultimately, customer loyalty.
ARE GOOGLE REVIEWS GOOD FOR MY BUSINESS?

How to Land Great Reviews From Your Customers
Scoring great reviews doesn’t happen by chance. It requires a thoughtful approach and strategic effort.
Read below to see some tried-and-true tactics we’ve used here at Inspire to get glowing 5-Star reviews:
Choose the right moment to ask
Timing is everything. The best time to request a review is when your customer is most delighted with your service. It could be after a purchase, upon delivery of a product, or after resolving a customer service issue.
Find ways to incorporate it in your process
Make asking for reviews a natural part of your customer interaction process. You could include a polite request at the end of an email receipt, follow up with a personalised message after a sale, or integrate it into your post-purchase communication.
Also include how long it will take for them to submit a review. The key is to make it seamless and unobtrusive.
Offer incentives
Although your quality service/product can encourage your customers to leave positive reviews, it’s also a good practice to use small incentives to give them an extra nudge. It can be discounts on future purchases, entry into a prize draw, or even a freebie can be effective motivators.

Always respond to every review
Responding to all reviews, both positive and negative, shows that you value your customers' feedback and are committed to improving their experience. 89% of customers are more likely to support and purchase from a business that answers every review.
Thank those who gave positive feedback and address any concerns raised in negative reviews promptly and professionally.
Provide various channels to leave a review
Offering multiple channels for reviews can increase your chances of receiving feedback. Encourage reviews on your website, social media pages, Google My Business, and other relevant platforms.
Having various options allows your customers to choose the method that suits them best, making it easier for them to share their positive experiences.
HOW TO HANDLE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK

How Inspire Can Help
My team at Inspire understand the power of positive online reviews and the impact they can have on your business. Stellar reputation doesn’t happen overnight. But with the right tools and strategies, you can make significant strides and position your business professionally and strategically online
Our Visibility team can support you in achieving your review goals through tailored review management strategies, monitoring and responding to reviews, and analysing and leveraging feedback.
We also offer a range of Local SEO services that can boost your GMB profile and ensure you get a larger share of the local customer pie.
Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed for your business to stay competitive in today’s online marketplace!
If you’re eager to learn more about how you can get great reviews from your customers, feel free to reach out to me directly and continue this conversation via email.
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