We’re taught the opinion of others don’t matter.
This is true to a certain extent, but the opinion of others truly does matter when their opinion is about your business. More specifically, their opinion really matters when it’s written down as a review.
Customer reviews hold a lot of power. It’s the power of persuasion. Whether or not they’re supporting your business with their review, you can count on people reading it to help determine their own decisions.
Below is a full guide discussing the power of customer reviews. Make sure to keep reading if you want to raise awareness for your brand.
People Crave Consistency
When trying something new, such as a new restaurant or service, people want to be assured their experience will be consistent. It’s part of persuasion.
People are more easily persuaded to trust something if the results prove to be the same time and time again. You wouldn’t like a restaurant if it was a guessing game whether or not your burger would be good that night. You want to spend your money in a place where you know you’re always getting what you want.
Customer reviews reveal consistency. While there will always be the inevitable complaints from disgruntled customers, if the majority of your reviews are consistently good, people will give your business a shot!
One major part about getting consistently good reviews is consistently urging your customers to leave a review.
Reviews Convince Those Stuck on the Fence
Some people spend a large amount of time researching brands before investing in anything. It’s completely understandable because who wants to end up throwing money away? No one.
The only tricky part about reading hours worth of reviews is becoming stuck on the fence about what to do. Even if someone narrows down their decision to two options, they may still feel stuck on where to spend their money.
With more customer reviews, potential customers unsure of what to do will eventually take the leap and trust your brand.
More Customer Reviews, More Views
Shopping local is becoming more popular, but if you’re a new local business, it may be difficult to build your internet presence.
Luckily for you, the more reviews you receive, the more visible your business becomes in searches. As people leave you positive reviews, your name will start working its way up in the algorithm.
In addition to that, people quickly browsing through a local search may just be glancing at the star ratings. If they notice your business is close to 5 stars, they may quickly click over to your website.
People Start Talking
Whether it’s good or bad, exposure starts conversations. The opinions of customers will start conversations online and in-person.
If someone has a wonderful experience with your brand or business, they may tell their friends and family. They may explain to their friends why those chose your business in the first place and why they were impressed.
On the flip side, if someone had a terrible experience with your brand, you’ll notice a drop in customers. This should motivate you to always put your best foot forward.
Have you noticed a negative review or two on social media? Privately reach out to the unhappy customer and attempt to resolve the issue. Showing you care could clear the air.
Customers Like Feeling Heard
By being a brand that encourages customer reviews, people will view you as an honest company. People like knowing they can speak their minds and that their voices will be heard.
Open up that line of communication with people by asking for genuine reviews. Do your best to reply to as many as you can, and take the negativity with a grain of salt.
Tell people you’re thankful for each review, and let the unhappy customers know you’ll be privately reaching out to them soon. By replying, potential customers will see you care. They’ll be more likely to trust your brand.
How to Get Reviews
Now that you fully understand customer reviews can make or break your online success as a company, you might be wondering how exactly you get those reviews. All you have to do is ask.
If you have a physical location people can visit, make sure to create a sign to leave by the door or checkout area urging people to write a review. Create a QR code or provide a link they can follow.
Is your business fully online? No worries about this! On the checkout window, let customers know they can leave a review, or follow up with a survey email.
You might have trouble pushing people to leave a review so try creating incentives. Offer discounts or free small gifts for those who show proof of leaving a review. People love discounts and free items.
Highlight Reviews
Once you start receiving reviews, pick a few here and there to highlight on your website. You can place them in their own article, or you can ask the customers who left them if you can record a video testimonial.
You may see a strange competition starting to develop if you start picking customers to highlight on your site or social media. People may start leaving reviews in hopes they’ll be picked next.
If your shop has an Instagram or Twitter, you can easily share small snippets of peoples’ experiences by sharing their stories or retweeting their reviews. By having them tag you on social media, you’ll gain tons of exposure!
It’s Time to Start Pushing for Reviews
Customer reviews are extremely important in brand exposure. They persuade people to give your brand a shot, and they open up important conversations around your brand. It’s time to start pushing for customer reviews.
Asking customers to leave a review doesn’t have to be awkward. Create incentive programs or social media accounts they can tag in reviews. Highlight some of the ones you love.
If you’re wanting to take your business to the next level, check out the rest of your site. Don’t hesitate to chat with us and ask any questions you may have.
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