Why Do Reviews Matter?
Studies show that 88% of people trust reviews. These days, most people don’t just buy a product or service, they spend time researching their options first. Reviews are the main way that many potential customers will decide whether or not they’re going to give you their business.
People trust other people. We don’t want to hear what the company says about itself so much as we want to hear what other customers just like us have experienced with the company or product we’re considering.
Reviews are also important because they increase your SEO value. The more that people are reviewing your brand (positively), the more search engines will pick it up.
What if I Get a Bad Review?
First, and most importantly,don’t ignore it. Ignoring a negative review makes you look sloppy and as if you don’t have any answer or explanation to the review. Always respond and always be professional, even if the person reviewing you is being petty or unrealistic. Begin with an apology (if your company didn’t do anything wrong, say that you’re sorry the customer didn’t feel positively about their experience) and then give a level-headed explanation and sign off graciously. That being said, If a review includes bullying or hate speech, report it. That type of language is harmful and should never be accepted.
How Do I Get More Reviews?
Ask for Them
It’s pretty simple, really: want more reviews? Ask for them! Anytime you have a positive interaction with a client, send them a follow-up email thanking them for their business and asking them for an online review.
Make it (Really) Easy
If someone is going to take time out of their day to review you, well, they’re not going to want to take a lot of time. Make sure that you make the review process as easy as possible. When you ask a customer for a review, send them a link to where they can submit their review and make sure it’s clear to them what to do. Keep it simple and you’ll get better results.
Use Verified Reviews
If you have a eCommerce website, it is smart to have your reviews right there alongside your products. We recommend using Verified Reviews, which adds reviewing capabilities to your eCommerce store and displays your reviews for potential customers to see. This makes it easy for prospective customers to research your product and leave a review once they’ve purchased from you.
