Most Local Businesses Don’t Get Enough Customer Reviews: Why It Matters

Most local businesses underestimate the power of customer reviews and fail to capitalize on their potential. This article delves into the profound impact of customer reviews on small businesses and explores strategies to leverage them effectively. 

Understanding the significance of customer feedback and taking proactive steps to secure positive reviews can make all the difference in dominating the competition and ensuring lasting success.

Customer reviews act as a virtual word-of-mouth for your business, amplifying its reputation in the digital age. Positive reviews create a sense of trust and credibility, boosting your online presence and attracting more potential customers. 

On the other hand, negative reviews can deter customers and harm your business’s image. Therefore, it’s vital for small businesses to actively manage and encourage customer reviews to maintain a positive online image.

The Power of Customer Reviews: Some Statistics

Here are some statistics about the power of customer reviews, backed by real data and reputable sources:

1. • Impact on Purchase Decisions: According to a survey by BrightLocal, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, and 79% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. This shows the significant influence customer reviews have on purchase decisions. (Source: BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey)

• • Importance of Recent Reviews: A study by Spiegel Research Center found that products with reviews are 270% more likely to be purchased than those without. Moreover, when consumers sort reviews by the most recent, it signals that 77% of them pay more attention to the recency of reviews. This highlights the importance of consistently acquiring fresh customer feedback. (Source: Spiegel Research Center)

• • Star Rating Impact: The same survey reveals that the star rating of a business is the number one factor used by consumers to judge a business. 94% of consumers said they would use a business with a four-star rating, while only 57% would consider a business with a three-star rating. Positive star ratings significantly influence consumers’ perception and decision-making. (Source: BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey)

• • Trustworthiness of Reviews: According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, 63% of consumers trust what they see in search engine results, and 58% trust the information they find on a company’s website. This means that customer reviews and testimonials displayed on your website or through search results can have a profound impact on consumer trust in your business. (Source: Edelman Trust Barometer)

• • Response to Negative Reviews: In a survey conducted by ReviewTrackers, 53% of customers expect businesses to respond to negative reviews within a week. Responding to negative reviews promptly and professionally is essential as it can help mitigate the impact of negative feedback and demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction. (Source: ReviewTrackers)

• • Positive Impact on SEO: A study by Moz found that online reviews are among the top 10 factors that Google considers when ranking local search results. Positive reviews can improve your business’s visibility in search engines and drive more organic traffic to your website. (Source: Moz)

These statistics demonstrate the undeniable power of customer reviews in influencing consumer behavior, building trust, and driving business success. By actively managing and leveraging customer feedback, businesses can enhance their reputation. In addition, you can attract more customers, and ultimately achieve a competitive edge in their market.

Why Customer Reviews Matter

To ensure your business benefits from customer reviews, implement a robust review acquisition strategy. Encourage customers to leave feedback through various channels, such as your website, social media, and email campaigns. Offering incentives like discounts or loyalty rewards for leaving reviews can motivate customers to share their experiences. 

Additionally, prompt and professional responses to both positive and negative reviews demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction and show that you value feedback.

While customer reviews are valuable on various platforms, Google Business Profile stands out as one of the most critical for local businesses. Positive reviews on Google can significantly impact your local search ranking and visibility. This makes it essential to optimize your Google Business Profile and encourage satisfied customers to share their experiences there. 

Similarly, Yelp and other review sites hold immense influence over consumer decisions, so maintaining an active presence on these platforms is crucial.

As the number of positive reviews grows, so does your credibility and online reputation. More positive reviews translate into increased foot traffic, higher customer retention rates, and ultimately, more sales. Harness the power of customer feedback and use it to your advantage. Continuously striving to improve your products and services based on customer insights. 

Monitoring customer reviews also helps identify areas for improvement and helps you tailor your offerings to better meet customer needs.

How to Get More Positive Customer Reviews

Investing in reputation management and review generation can lead to a substantial return on investment (ROI). Satisfied customers become brand advocates, recommending your business to friends and family. This organic referral process brings in more customers without additional marketing costs, saving you money and amplifying your brand’s reach. 

Emphasizing the importance of customer reviews and actively managing them can be the key to a thriving local business. Here are some other strategies to encourage more customer reviews:

1. • Offer Exceptional Customer Service: Providing outstanding customer service is the foundation for generating positive reviews. Train your staff to go above and beyond to meet customer needs, resolve issues promptly, and create a memorable experience for all.

• • Ask for Reviews in Person: Encourage your staff to ask satisfied customers for reviews at the point of sale or after completing a transaction. A simple, friendly request can often prompt customers to leave feedback.

• • Send Follow-Up Emails: Send personalized follow-up emails to customers after their purchase or visit. Express gratitude for their business and kindly request feedback through review platforms like Google or Yelp. Also, include direct links for easy access.

• • Create Review Handouts: Design branded review handouts that customers can take home with them. These handouts can include QR codes or shortened URLs leading directly to your review pages, making it convenient for customers to leave a review.

• • Use Digital Signage or Review Kiosks: If you have a physical storefront, display review kiosks or digital signage with QR codes or URLs leading to your review platforms. This way, customers can quickly scan or access the links and share their experiences.

• • Implement a Review Incentive Program: Consider offering a small incentive, such as a discount or entry into a giveaway, for customers who leave reviews. However, ensure that the incentives comply with review platform guidelines to avoid any penalties.

• • Leverage Social Media: Share positive reviews on your social media channels. When customers see their reviews being acknowledged, they may be more motivated to leave feedback themselves.

• • Respond to Reviews: Show that you value customer feedback by responding to both positive and negative reviews. Thank customers for their kind words and address any issues raised in negative reviews professionally and constructively.

• • Feature Testimonials on Your Website: Showcase positive customer testimonials on your website to further encourage reviews. This demonstrates social proof and builds credibility for your business.

• • Host Events and Contests: Organize events or contests that encourage participation from customers. During these events, promote your review platforms and offer prizes to customers who leave reviews.

By implementing these real-world strategies, local businesses can create a culture of customer feedback and increase the number of reviews they receive, leading to a stronger online reputation and improved visibility in their local market.

As you see, customer reviews are a vital aspect of a successful local business. Embrace the value of feedback, and take proactive steps to encourage more reviews. By doing so, you can establish trust, attract new customers, and ultimately outperform your competitors. 

So, don’t overlook the power of customer reviews – leverage it to thrive in your market and achieve long-term success. Remember that customer satisfaction and reviews are an investment in your business’s growth and prosperity.

Need help encouraging more reviews, monitoring and replying to reviews from multiple sites in one easy to use platform? Our marketing hub and turnkey services can save you time and help you dominate the local market. Schedule a free consultation today to get started.