It’s no secret that online reviews are important to help grow your business, but are we aware just how much influence these hold over our consumers decisions? Let’s take a dive into why Google reviews are one of the most important marketing strategies for your business.
Firstly, there are many platforms available to gather reviews for your business, which one is best for your business may depend on what industry you are in, but by and large, reviews on Google remain the most trustworthy platform to build credibility and attract potential customers. Why? Because we have learnt that business owners cannot filter their Google reviews to only show the best ones–that’s right Google will show everything from 5 star to 1 star reviews and everything in between. This means that before a prospective customer has even made contact with you, they have read your reviews to see what others say about working with you–what do your Google Reviews say about your business?
Can google reviews increase your sales?
Here are some compelling stats to confirm the pivotal role that positive reviews play in influencing the choices of our prospective buyers. These have been sourced from authoritative websites and will get you excited about working on this marketing strategy for your business.
- An 18% increase in overall revenue can be earned with good Google reviews
- 87% of consumers read positive reviews before making a purchase decision
- Businesses with an average rating of 4 stars or higher see 12 times more sales than those with an average rating of 3 stars or lower.
What other benefits do Google Reviews have?
Increased Authority: Google prioritises businesses with a substantial number of positive reviews in search results. The more reviews your business accumulates, the higher it will rank in Google searches which improves your SEO–making you more visible to new customers.
Builds Trust and Credibility: Positive reviews serve as social proof, instilling confidence in your prospective customers. The business showing the most reviews with a high average star rating will differentiate your business from competitors and often be enough for viewers to choose to contact your business based on this criteria alone.
Drives Conversions: Studies indicate that businesses with favourable reviews experience higher conversion rates. Positive feedback from satisfied customers acts as persuasive marketing, nudging undecided consumers towards making a purchase or engaging with your services.
Averaging all 4 and 5 star reviews?
Whilemany business owners have mastered the art of obtaining great reviews, I am often surprised tosee that they not have taken the time to reply and say thank you. Knowing how valuable these are inattracting more clients, it could almost be considered bad manners to not reply. Don’t forget to giveyour heartfelt appreciation and a thumbs up too.
How do you handle a bad review?
Don’t be afraid of a bad review, it can be a real opportunity for your business to shine. If it is a legitimate review from a real customer, then take the time to address their concerns, show that you have heard them and offer an opportunity to resolve the issue offline. Remember that this is a public platform and that your response can often be viewed more favourably than the bad review itself. If it’s not from an actual customer then submitting this to Google to have it removed may be an option that they will consider. Continually striving to enhance your customers experiences will foster loyalty and attract new customers.
Strategies to Increase Google Reviews
Make it easy for customers to leave reviews by providing direct links to your Google review page. Streamlining the process reduces any technical barriers and increases the chances of getting a glowing review. This could be a hyperlink in an email or instructions to scan a QR Code.
Provide exceptional service that exceeds your customers expectations. Happy customers are more inclined to leave positive reviews.
Ask for the review. There’s no need to be shy, if you are doing a great job and have happy customers then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. You can always look at ways to automate this process so you are always getting a steady flow of amazing reviews without having to request them one-by-one.
When is the best time to ask for a review?
A factor that is often overlooked is the timing of asking for the review. Studies have shown that asking a customer for a review at the highest point of elation is the best time to ask, for example; the job has just been completed and your customers are delighted, this is the best time to send the request as their recommendation will be written with more emotion as opposed to including it with their invoice.
In conclusion: Google Reviews have significant influence over consumer behaviour and search engine rankings. By actively seeking and managing reviews, you can enhance your online reputation, attract more customers, and drive growth. Include Google Reviews as part of your digital marketing strategy, and watch your business thrive in the competitive online landscape.
If you’d like help with implementing any of the above strategies for your business, fill in the form below. We are here to help your business grow and achieve success.
