Online reviews from clients not only increase visibility, but they build trust with qualified searching consumers. Ultimately, reviews help drive leads!
Getting reviews obviously matters; however, the fear of a bad review is also a common source of anxiety for business owners. While a business must accept that it cannot control the reviews it gets, it must place MORE concern with a lack of them than a negative review. Studies show that the average consumer looks for them, but also suspects foul play when they don’t see at least one bad review.
Studies also show less than 1 in 4 consumers have ever given a review, which sheds light on a business opportunity. It’s why review generation must become ‘standard operating procedure’ for all marketers! Keep in mind Google measures up to 200 signals, depending on the subject- competitiveness when it ranks sources of information for a search result. Reviews are just one and, while it is an important signal, don’t be foolish enough to believe it is all that matters either. Folks, be sure to keep that content coming as well!
Top 3 Places To Get A Review
1. Google Search / Map Listings – it is simply the most visible place for reviews
2. Facebook – massive traffic means reviews here matter, albeit people visit Google with intent and Facebook generally to socialize
3. Yelp – if only because it shows up in search results more often than the remaining search & directory listing websites
And be sure listing profiles are accurate, consistent and verified!
5 Best Ways to Get Reviews
1. Ask for the review!
Surprising how many businesses don’t think to ask for a review, be sure yours is not one of those!
2. Educate on how to give the review!
Distribute instructions for how to leave the Google review, generously!
3. Make it personal!
Most people are kind, they appreciate a personal touch and asking them directly is just that!
4. Provide Links!
Passing out links to that Google, Facebook and even Yelp listing makes it easier for those more challenged!
5. Third-party tools
Be very careful with this one!; while soliciting reviews can be a task, automating the ask to everyone you do business with will automatically include those who may not be thrilled. And so rather than risk raising the odds for (literally) recruiting a negative review from an unreasonable person, be sure the tool offers some control to choose who is asked.
Generating new reviews doesn’t have to be painful, but it’s got to become standard operating procedure! Don’t let your local business miss out on all the potential leads that could be drawn in when a good reviews strategy is in place.
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