We live in a digital world. What was once good old fashioned word of mouth marketing is now online review. So, it becomes critical for the small business owner to prioritize their online review profile and keep their overall rating high. here are 25 great ways to improve your online reviews.
why is it important to improve your online reviews?
Reading: Reviews how to improve customer care platform list
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Before you start learning about a business, you’ll probably do some research online. During this time, what better indicator of what to expect from a business than reading reviews about it? many of your potential customers are doing the exact same thing with your business.
25 tips to help improve your business reviews
When customers start looking for reviews about your business, it’s imperative to make sure they read good things. here are 25 great ways to make sure that happens.
1. ask for reviews
If you want something, you have to be willing to ask for it. start with people who are already using your service or product and, in a neutral way, ask “how was your experience?”, then make it easy for them to leave a review.
Encourage people you trust to be your first reviewers, but don’t ask them to say something they don’t believe. ask them to provide honest and detailed feedback and set a positive trend on your review site so the angry customer doesn’t set the tone for you.
2. follow the rules
Each of the third-party review sites has its own set of rules. For example, Yelp frowns on specifically asking its customers for reviews, while Google is totally fine with that.
There are also rules set by the Federal Trade Commission. An obvious rule of thumb for testimonials is that you cannot offer a financial incentive in exchange for positive feedback. In other words, don’t try to buy Yelp or any other type of reviews. this will only end up hurting you in the long run.
The gold standard is for reviews to be authentic, helpful, and truthful. so try to find ways to encourage real feedback, not fabricate it.
3. check reviews
A 66% majority of consumers said the overall rating is the most important element on a review page. The most important thing you can do for your overall rating is keep an eye on it! This can sound frustrating, as you’ll have to watch your overall rating drop from time to time, but just admitting you have a problem is the first step to fixing it.
In addition, there are many online software that have started to include growth management tools: social media management sites, marketing agencies, and virtual accounting sites, to name a few. These services make it easy to invite their users to review your product, and many of them also offer review monitoring and tracking. (hint: you can use software for this.)
4. set a google alert
An easy way to control online comments is to set up a google alert for your company or product names. Doing this will allow you to be notified whenever another website or review site mentions you. you’ll never be the last to hear of an angry customer or hear praise.
5. keep your review profile up to date
First, make sure you have a review profile! Have you logged into the different review sites and set one up? if not, do it.
After setup is complete, make sure your profile is polished and accurate. use a current, high-quality photo and a clean, consistent logo. You should also make sure that the hours of operation, product descriptions, and addresses of the locations are up to date. you’re unlikely to get a positive review if your customer can’t find your location.
6. be present on all review sites
maintain an active presence on all review sites. this will remind the consumer that you are human and committed to the success of your company. Approximately 59% of consumers said review recency is important to them, so make it easy for reviewers to visit often and find you on review sites they frequent. there are many review sites: google, facebook, yelp, angie’s list, so don’t leave anything out.
7. make a good first impression
See also: How To Get Better Reviews Using Customer Service Software
if it’s a web-based service, make sure your first impression is a good one. Not only should your review profile be clean and modern, but your website should make the user want to stay. include a friendly automated chat window to improve your customer service too.
8. always be mobile friendly
In the same vein as a user-friendly website, make sure your website is mobile-friendly. If you ask for reviews via email, make sure your links transfer well on a mobile platform. no one wants to leave a review if the process becomes too complicated, too convoluted, or too long.
9. include a review page and badge on your website
Including a “review” or “testimonial” tab on your own web page shows your consumer that you’re not trying to hide what people are saying about you. It can show that you value honest feedback and are willing to make changes when necessary.
plus, if you include a reviews page on your own website, it’s more likely to appear first on google when consumers search for your reviews.
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10. make it easy
There are many ways to streamline the process for your reviewer: include a direct link in an email, create a sheet on how and where to leave feedback, set up a review station (or tablet) in the store. make it easy for your customer to leave a review, so the process doesn’t leave them more frustrated with your service.
11. add a button to your email signature
This is a really easy way to encourage online reviews without having to specifically ask. many businesses are now adding a button to their email signature next to their twitter birds and contact information. this “one-click” review method is neither direct nor intrusive. every time your customer receives an email from you, they have the opportunity to leave a review.
12. encourage detailed reviews
about 62% of consumers say the amount of detail included in reviews is important to them. so try to encourage clients to be specific and use proper names when they can. the more information readers get about your business, the less doubt will remain.
13. ask the right people (in person if possible)
the majority, 63% of consumers, said the ratio of positive to negative reviews is important when viewing a review profile. So when possible, try to encourage the satisfied customer to review your business online. pick a good time to ask, while they’re still getting value from your product or service, and do it in person if you can.
14. respond to negative reviews
Time to tackle the elephant in the room: what to do about scathing criticism? You can’t please everyone (and you really shouldn’t try), but you can turn a negative into a positive.
Your best bet is to take the time to respond to your negative reviews. About 78% of online reviewers actually trusted a company more when they saw them respond to online reviews. prioritize which comments need immediate feedback and resolve the issue as quickly as possible (ideally before posting your response).
always be professional and never blame the customer. apologize and offer redress where possible. if you can get it right, it’s actually better to respond to complaints in your public review profile than in a private email.
15. respond to positive reviews
If you’re already monitoring and responding to negative reviews, why not take 15 seconds to say “thank you”? your positive reviewer? this will show customers that you’re not only putting out fires, but also looking out for those who are loyal to you.
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16. share featured reviews and testimonials
when you get rave reviews, share them! Post them on your website, in Facebook ads, in product descriptions and give credit to your fans. people love to see their name in lights, even if it’s just the light on their smartphone screen
17. take customer feedback seriously
See also: 2018 Ford Focus Review, Pricing and Specs
we know. It hurts to read those negative reviews and it’s very easy to get defensive. take a minute to refresh yourself if you need to, and then look for trends in the data. if there is a complaint that keeps coming up, take a step back and try to identify the root of the problem.
then go to work and try to fix it. this will save you the stress of more negative reviews in the future and will also help make your business more effective.
18. give away some gifts?
Who doesn’t love free stuff? Giveaways and giveaways create a positive buzz around your brand and attract customers who may have passed you by. Most importantly, offering gifts can encourage feedback. With zero upfront cost to the consumer, it’s not as annoying to ask the customer for something in return.
19. offer coupons and discounts
If you’re not willing or able to opt for the free option, extended discounts or trial periods are also a good option. While incentives are a great way to get feedback, remember that you cannot offer financial compensation in exchange for positive feedback.
20. get more reviews = get more social proof
about 55% of people said the number of reviews a business has is an important factor for them. the more reviews you have, the more social proof you will generate and legitimize your business.
As you get reviews, keep in mind that you’re not just trying to meet a quota. you want to build a worthwhile brand reputation and can get the most reviews by providing high-quality service.
21. check out other businesses
A simple but good tip for small business owners: If you have a positive experience with another startup, why not help them by posting a review? Give a little, get a little.
22. use automated emails
Save some time by sending automated emails. try to make them personal when you can and avoid spam email campaigns. When possible, reference a specific customer experience or product purchase.
If a customer takes the time to respond to an email request for feedback, make sure they know their time is valued. use an automated response to say thank you or offer a special discount code.
23. improve online reviews with social media
by nature, social media is more… well, social. Shares, likes, and comments are an organic way to collect customer feedback. You can solicit and receive feedback in an informal setting and encourage followers to share their views on online review sites.
24. associate with influential people
Long reach and a loyal following of social media influencers is a great way to create a genuine opportunity for marking and feedback. partner with someone who fits your brand and offer exclusive discount codes to their followers.
These followers will value the product or service more since they received a personal invitation from a friend to use it. these influencers and followers can easily transfer to positive reviewers.
25. be the best
The most effective way to inspire good reviews is to offer the best product or service available. make customer service a top priority and use all forms of feedback to inform growth. if you are passionate about your product, consumers will be passionate too.
See also: How To Remove Reviews From Facebook: Guide To Delete FB Reviews
See also: How To Remove Reviews From Facebook: Guide To Delete FB Reviews
See also: How To Remove Reviews From Facebook: Guide To Delete FB Reviews
