Why your Business Needs Reviews and How to Get Them

Did you know that 49% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations from friends and family, meaning we trust 1 out of 2 people we have never met in our life. Crazy right?!

No one particularly enjoys asking for a business review but we must do. Customers are becoming more discerning and want to be informed before making a purchase, especially online. Over 99.9% of customers read reviews when they shop online. 96% of customers specifically look for negative reviews. People trust what others have to say about a product, service or business overall. A higher number of reviews is a testament to a business's credibility and popularity; meaning quantity does matter.

Here are some reasons why reviews are important for your business:

1. Credibility

When reviews are credible, they have the power to influence customer decisions, enhance a business's reputation, and build long-term trust with its audience.

2. Honest Feedback

Reviews provide a platform for customers to leave their reviews honestly. Whether the reviews are positive or negative, they help a business know where to improve.

3. Rankings

External sites such as Google Business Profile and Glassdoor contribute to your rankings online. If you have more positive reviews this could boost your visibility in search engine ranking pages.

4. Competitive Advantage

Having lots of positive reviews contributes to your success and sets you apart from your competitors. For example, if you get reviews emphasising the same thing like ‘I received my order quickly’ this can be your USP.

5. Social Confidence

Reviews can build a solid foundation with new customers as they demonstrate that real people have liked and used your products or services. They provide social confidence to those looking to use your product or service.

6. Marketing Material

Reviews are valuable marketing tools. Positive feedback can draw in new customers by highlighting your business's strengths, such as outstanding customer service or distinctive offerings. You can then showcase the testimonials on your website, include them in your business proposals and use them in your marketing material.

7. Creates Engagement

You can respond to your reviews whether positive or negative. This shows that you value customer feedback and are willing to address any concerns. This builds customer trust and loyalty.

How to Gather Reviews

• Ask Nicely

Be polite but ask nicely when asking customers for reviews. Make it clear that their feedback is valuable to your business.

• Incentivise Customers

You could offer customers discounts or gift vouchers to incentivise them to leave a review. However, be mindful not to violate the policies of the review platform.

• Make it Easy

You want to make this process as simple as possible, meaning providing customers with a direct link to the review platform online. This increases the likelihood of them leaving a review.

• Engage with Customers

Encourage customers to share their experiences and opinions. Let them know their feedback is important and that you value their input.

In conclusion, reviews are an important aspect of your business's online visibility and reputation. They help you find ways to improve, attract new customers and build trust. Do not hesitate to ask for reviews and actively use them strategically within your marketing efforts. 

When asking for a review you could send a direct link to make it easier for those to leave you a review, for example here is a link to Strawberry Blonde Marketing’s Google Business Profile page - https://g.page/r/CS2MBcS-IEevEBM/review If you enjoyed this blog post, please do not hesitate to leave a quick review! It will be much appreciated.