Online reviews play a pivotal role in terms of helping customers decide whether or not they want to support your business. Whether you own a brick-and-mortar business, an e-commerce enterprise, or both, most customers will inevitable research your company online before placing an order or scheduling a consultation. It’s no longer enough to simply have excellent online marketing strategies that allow you to reach a widespread audience. Nowadays, you need to prove that you can deliver top-notch products and customer service before your customers even contact you. And the only way to do that is to obtain great customer reviews and ratings so that you can expand your business and make it stand out.
Google isn’t the only online platform where customers can leave reviews about their experiences and rate your business, but it’s certainly one of the most prominent and distinguished reviewing and rating platforms that people use. This is especially true for Android users, which now account for more than 2.5 billion technological users worldwide.
Google has become such a staple in modern society that the term itself has become synonymous with finding information online. When we need a quick answer to a question, we simply Google it. When we’re looking for a nearby restaurant, clothing store, or type of service, we Google it.
Google is a powerful online entity that must be harnessed to help local businesses gain the recognition they deserve. The best way to increase your traction on Google or any online platform, for that matter, is to encourage your customers to rate and review your business after they’ve had a great experience. But how can you do this tactfully?
Positive reviews can have a great impact on your business, but how do you ask for reviews and ratings without coming off as desperate or pushy?
There are a few things you can do:
If you feel like a customer interaction ended on a particularly good note, then there’s nothing wrong with asking the customer to leave a review and rate your business. Ask them to be honest and let you know if they have any feedback for your business. Happy customers are usually willing to spread the word about a great product or service experience and chances are they’ll be flattered that you asked for their honest opinion in the first place.
On Google, it’s absolutely imperative that you claim your business to prevent hackers and competitors from gaining access to your business profile and mismanaging or misrepresenting it for their own personal gain. Claiming your business online gives you more control over the type of content that’s posted and what your customers and followers are able to see about your business.
Customers should be able to easily find your business through various online platforms including Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and so forth. The more social media accounts you create and manage for your business, the easier it’ll be for customers to find you and leave reviews online. Many customers might even voice their opinions in the comments sections of your posts, giving you more opportunities to actively engage in online interactions.
Be careful though, because the longer it takes you to respond to customers’ comments and feedbacks, the more negative publicity you’ll gain.
And on that note, always respond to customer reviews and ratings no matter how positive or negative they are. This should go without saying, but it’s just common sense and excellent PR for your brand. Even if you’re just simply thanking a customer for supporting your business and taking the time to review your business, your gratitude will be appreciated. Negative reviews also deserve a courteous and conscientious response. Start off by apologizing to the customer. If more clarification is needed in terms of what went wrong and how you can fix the problem, then ask for it in a polite yet genuine manner.
If personal assistance is required, ask the customer to contact your business so that you can help them further. This shows other potential customers that you truly care about your business and the satisfaction of your customers.
Research and find out which online platforms your target audiences are most likely to use and then focus on those. If you find that most of your audience is on Facebook or Instagram, then focus your marketing strategy on those two social media platforms. That way, you can ensure that you’re reaching as many potential followers as possible.
Despite what it might sound like that you’re paying someone to positively review your company that’s not the case at all. Paid review programs are run by third-party companies that liaise between social media influencers and brands. Through the programs, companies send sample products to social media influencers who in turn write or create honest online reviews. The companies have no affiliation whatsoever with the social media influencers and usually have no idea who will be reviewing their products until the product reviews are posted. It’s basically the online version of mystery shopping.
Need help with upping your customer reviews game?
Numero Uno Business Growth Specialists can help you reach out to a widespread online audience base and offer excellent constructive tips on how to get more people to review your business. Contact us today to learn about our services and how we can help you grow your business online.
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