As companies submit their year-end reviews we thought we’d take some time to share information about another important review – GOOGLE REVIEWS. Our clients often ask us about Google Reviews. Are they important? Should we solicit for positive Google Reviews? Do prospects trust Google Reviews? The answer to all of these questions is YES!
Absolutely! Nearly 90% of consumers say they trust online reviews as much as they trust a recommendation from someone they know. Consider your own online shopping habits. When you’re searching for a vacuum cleaner and there are hundreds of brands, makes, models to choose from you’re more likely to read what Susan from Idaho has to say about how her Dyson vacuum cleaner is amazing when it comes to sweeping up dog hair around her house. FIVE STARS from Susan means one step closer to a “click to purchase.”
Absolutely! We’ve said it many times to our online audience and even more times to our clients. Your buyers are your greatest marketing! But they need to be told how they can help you share your story. Many won’t think to do it unless they’re asked, especially if your target market is of an older demographic and less familiar with Google Reviews.
When you consider the 10 or more positive reviews you receive and the potential few customers who might want to speak negatively of your organization, the more people you ask the better off you are. It ends up being a numbers game – with a hypothetical 16 five stars and 3 two stars – a buyer is likely to assume those three dissatisfied customers didn’t have a typical experience with your company (or they’re just that type of person who wants to complain about everything.)
Again, absolutely! An unanswered or unacknowledged review appears more negative than if you respond and encourage off-line communication. A simple response like, “Thank you Bob for your review. We understand your frustration but want to do what we can to make this better. Please contact us at 123-4567 so we can move towards rectifying this situation immediately.” In some cases, we understand the situation might not be able to be rectified but it’s imperative you engage and show that you’re willing to act. Responding to negative reviews has positive benefits!
If you need help with online reputation management and SEO, contact us today to learn how Maria Chrissovergis Public Relations & Marketing can help your company. (And afterwards, you can leave us a FIVE STAR review.)
