If you’re a business, then you already know the power that word of mouth can have in building up your reputation. It’s why you ensure you have reliable customer service and why you always encourage your customers to “Tell your friends about us!” However, we live in the digital age, and that means your reputation exists online as well as in the brick-and-mortar world. If you’ve been neglecting the power of online reviews, you might want to rethink your strategy.
Reviews Can Be A Game Changer
What people say about you online can make a huge difference when it comes to how many people walk through your doors or head to your website. In fact, while 90 percent of consumers say online reviews influence their buying behavior, only 6 percent write them. Improving your rating by as much as a single star can cause a jump of 39 percent in the amount of business you get, too. Then, there are the effects that online reviews can have on your local SEO.
It’s also important to remember that while there are dozens of sites your customers can leave reviews on, Google reviews are some of the most important ones out there.
Part of that is because Google has such an extensive reach. It is a website whose name is synonymous with performing a search in today’s online market. The other part is because Google, as a website, is something people see as authoritative. It’s where people are going to go to find reviews, and if they find what they want on that first search, then they may not look any further.
That’s why it pays to make sure people are talking about you on Google. Because planting a few seeds today can lead to a serious harvest in the near future.
4 Ways to Get More Online Reviews For Your Business
1. Build Your Google My Business Profile
Do you notice the businesses that pop up on Google Maps when you search for a location? You can be one of them too! Start by creating a Google My Business profile. Google uses the information supplied on your My Business page to determine your placement. Google reviews matter, and once the profile is set up, customers can quickly leave an online review for you.
2. Offer Incentives
Your customers may need an incentive to leave a review. Consider offering coupons, discounts, freebies, or running a contest with attractive prizes to encourage people to spread the word about your business.
3. Ask For a Review at the Right Moment
The sales funnel doesn’t end after the customer has made a purchase. First, show them how much you care about them by asking for feedback and resolving any problems they may have. After that, politely ask them to leave a review if they love your service.
4. Reply to Negative Reviews
Sometimes, you inadvertently upset a customer, and a negative review suddenly appears on your profile. Don’t panic. Instead of ignoring the review and pretending nothing has happened, show how much you care about your customers by replying and trying to work out a solution. Other potential customers may look at that and feel pleased with how you handle the situation.
Your company’s online reputation is imperative for successfully growing your brand, and a reputable online presence can help you stand out from your competitors. One of the best reputation management tools is online review marketing. Contact us for more information on marketing your business.