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What does any business want? You guessed it, to increase their bottom line. One of the definite ways to achieve that is to increase customer trust. The reputation of your business is an indispensable weapon.
Now, what is the one thing that people do when they are looking for a product or service? They look at the online reviews of course! In fact, 92% of customers read reviews online before committing to a decision. Reviews have become an essential part of any business, having a direct impact on customers’ buying decisions. What impact do you think reviews have on your business? Plenty!
In the business world, reviews act as referrals, so responding to reviews is vital. The trust that customers have in these reviews is just as much as a personal referral, allowing you to skip nurturing client relationships and start doing business right away.
According to Bright Local research:
Fortunately for business owners, the internet allows one happy customer to share their opinion with thousands.
Social media platforms, like Facebook, facilitate the referral process, displaying the information about businesses, their ratings, and reviews. That is why over 55% of consumers turn to Facebook to research information about brands.
Online reviews also play a crucial role in enhancing your business's SEO and online visibility. Search engines like Google prioritize websites with higher ratings and frequent reviews. This means that businesses with a strong review presence are more likely to appear at the top of search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Increased visibility translates to more traffic, which can lead to higher conversion rates and ultimately, increased revenue.
Read More: How to Respond to Positive and Negative Reviews
Reviews provide more than just a marketing advantage; they offer valuable feedback that can help you improve your products and services. Positive reviews highlight what you are doing well, allowing you to capitalize on your strengths. Negative reviews, while often challenging to read, provide insights into areas where you can make improvements. By addressing these issues proactively, you can enhance customer satisfaction and prevent future complaints.
Strengthen Customer RelationshipsResponding to reviews, both positive and negative, shows that you value your customers' opinions and are committed to providing excellent service. This interaction can strengthen customer relationships and build loyalty. Customers appreciate businesses that listen to their feedback and take action. By engaging with reviewers, you create a sense of community and trust, encouraging repeat business and long-term customer loyalty.
The trust that is built between you and your customer has a monumental impact on their purchasing decision. Customer referrals, either personal or online, result in a higher closing percentage. As reported by Bright Local, consumers are likely to spend 31% more on products or services that have excellent reviews. The more positive reviews – the more customers and revenue.
It is crucial for businesses to integrate reviews, you can’t just wait around for reviews to happen, and do so with creativity. Take matters into your own hands! “Review or not to review” should never be your customers’ question. Ask them to review your products – 7 out of 10 will gladly do so. Keep track of the reviews, respond to both, positive and negative feedback, and show that you truly care about your business and your customers!
Looking for more ways to build relationships and increase trust with your audience? We're ready to help!
