Reviews are absolutely crucial for the survival of any small business nowadays. Reviews can no longer be treated as a mere ancillary in the decision-making processes of consumers but shape perceptions and decisions about a purchase. Knowing and using power reviews is quite crucial to attaining success in such a highly competitive and razor-sharp end market.
The Power of Word-of-Mouth Marketing in the Digital Age
Word-of-mouth marketing has never lost its real potency since its very first beginning. Way back, when people still only relied on referrals from friends and family for choices on which products or services to purchase. This word-of mouth has now moved online, in the form reviews.
Online reviews are a digital word of mouth referral, reaching a wider audience. Online reviews have now become the number one influencer of consumer buying behavior. Podium states that 93% of consumers reported that online reviews have influenced their purchasing decisions.
Reviews can create trust and credibility. Negative reviews damage the reputation of a business organization. Small businesses must manage and respond to these reviews.
Reviews Drive Sales
Sales can be affected significantly by online reviews. Harvard Business School conducted one study which found that with every increase in one star in the Yelp ratings, the revenue increases between 5-9%. It is clear that for a customer, much emphasis is placed on online reviews while making their purchase decision.
Good reviews can make your business appear on the web more. When calculating the ranking of a search result, Google and other search engines will consider the quantity and quality reviews for your business. Many good reviews will strengthen your SEO and make you visible to clients.
Reviews Offer Valuable Feedback
Reviews also provide valuable feedback on your products and services. By reading and analyzing reviews from customers, you can learn what they think about your business.
This feedback will allow you to change your product or service for better, to handle customer complaints and improve the overall customer experience. This leads to more positive reviews and customer loyalty.
How To Leverage The Power Of Reviews
This would encourage your small business since, as has been noted earlier, reviews matter so much to most businesses. Encourage customers by asking for reviews once their services or products have been delivered.
The point to remember here is that all reviews are not going to be positive. Negative reviews will always exist, but companies can use these to show the world how seriously they take their customer service. Businesses can demonstrate their seriousness to improve service by responding promptly and professionally to negative reviews.
Online reviews are powerful tools on the current digital market. They play a very important role in consumer perception and, hence, purchasing decisions. It therefore becomes vital for small businesses to understand the significance of reviews if they are to thrive in the highly competitive market of the present.
Online reviews can be used to increase sales in small businesses as well as ensure trust with clients and improve goods and services produced.
Contact GenTech Marketing now if you want best reviews on your service.
