By way of online business directories, like Google business listings and Yelp, it’s easier than ever for consumers to discover and compare companies offering the services they are looking for—right at their fingertips. These interactive directories also make it easy for them to review your company on the web.
Receiving feedback from your customers is inevitable, but whether or not that feedback is positive can shape your business’s reputation when it’s in the public eye online.
The Importance of Online Reviews
Would you believe it if we said that online reviews and ratings from their peers are actually significantly affecting consumer shopping habits? It’s true: 74% of consumers say that they are more likely to trust a local business if it has positive online reviews, and more than half of consumers believes that the star rating of a business is most important when comparing who to do business with.
Managing Reviews Professionally
You can offer the best possible products and services, yet you may still not always like what you see when taking a look at your company’s online reviews. Whether positive, negative, or somewhere in between, responding to every review individually says a lot to potential consumers. It shows you care about each customer’s experience, and you’re taking the time out of your busy day to express that.
How to Get More Testimonials
Now that you know all about how to manage the existing online reviews of your company, focus on getting more! Capitalize on spoken feedback you receive at the end of a successful installation job, when a customer thanks your office staff for their courtesy, and other opportunities when asking for an online review seems appropriate. Make it as easy and quick as possible for them by linking to your business listing of choice in the regular emails you send to customers, or on your company’s social media accounts.
Not sure if you have the time to keep up with your business’s online reviews? We can help!