What Consumers Look For in Local Business Reviews?

According to BrightLocal Local Consumer Review Survey 2020, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses—that is over half your customers! This means if you are not prioritizing business reviews, you are losing many potential customers. 

Business reviews are of utmost importance, especially for local businesses that struggle to drive traction. Reviews pull your prospective buyers to hit that “add to cart” button and help you make more sales. Moreover, 5-star reviews drive reputation and give you a higher rank on search engines. Therefore, you must urge your customers to share their personal experiences and leave a review. 

But what exactly are your potential customers looking for in your reviews? Let’s find out. 

3 Key Elements of a Genuine Local Business Review

Your local business reviews not only help you generate more revenue, but they help your customers make the right purchasing decisions. These reviews save them from purchasing an over-hyped product they would never use in life. Therefore, your customers scrutinize your business reviews to avoid making poor decisions. Here’s what they look for in your reviews. 

1. Authenticity

Before your buyers make a decision based on the review they are reading, they carefully analyze if the review is genuine. They assess if your reviews are written by actual humans who actually visited your store or bought your products online. So, you cannot get away with generating fake reviews! Your customers are way smarter than you are; they will spot fake reviews. Therefore, urge your existing customers who have used your products to share their honest feedback. Even if it is a negative review, it would still be authentic. In business, negative reviews are inevitable—your customers understand this. Besides, your product is anyway not designed to be used by the entire world. 

2. Believability

Not only should your reviews be authentic, but they should also be believable. A 5-star review left by a faceless identity is too good to be true. If your “Reviews” section is inundated with endless praises and five golden stars, your customers will be suspicious. After all, it is impossible and unbelievable not to have even a single bad customer experience. Besides, some customers only filter the negative reviews. They want to see how you deal with negative comments and customers’ complaints. If you tackle them well, it only boosts your reputation as a brand. 

3. Review Responses

Interestingly, your customers come to your “Reviews” section to look for something more than a review. They come there to look for review responses. Your customers are smart buyers. They judge you not only as per the positive reviews you brag on but also based on how you respond to your reviews—if you respond at all. Your review responses inform your potential customers about your enhanced customer service. It also brings to the fore your brand’s values and attitude towards your customers. Therefore, avoid generating fake praises for your brand. Aim for authentic experiences and true stories. That will make you a credible brand.

Get in touch with Tommy House Studios today! 

If you own an online business in Montgomery, AL, we can assist you in developing and maintaining a solid brand image, as well as restoring a damaged one. Call us at (334) 310-2915 or contact us online today to learn more.