Do Online Reviews Really Matter? (Yes, they do!) - Inside Track with David Dwyer

25th July 2024

A Guide to Boosting Your Online Business Reviews

95% of consumers read online reviews before purchasing: this data is the reason why online reviews are more important than ever. They influence your potential customers' decisions and significantly impact on your brand's reputation.

In short, reviews can make or break your business.

With so many options at their fingertips, customers often rely on reviews to choose where to spend their money. That's why it's essential to attract positive reviews that build trust with new customers interested in your business.

For this week’s Inside Track, I’ll share some effective tactics to help you garner glowing online reviews from your customers. These strategies will equip you with the knowledge to enhance your online reputation and drive more business your way.

Scroll down and let's explore how you can boost your business with stellar online reviews!

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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