Online Reviews are Essential for Small Business Owners

According to BrightLocal's Local Consumer Review Survey 2020, over half of customers read online reviews for local companies—that is 87 percent of your potential consumers! This indicates that if you aren't focusing on your online business reviews, you're missing out on a lot of potential consumers.

Online reviews are essential for small businesses, especially those that struggle to gain traction. Reviews encourage your potential customers to click the "add to cart" button and assist you increase sales. Furthermore, positive ratings boost your search engine rankings and reputation. As a result, you must urge your consumers to share their own experiences and offer feedback on your business.

But, more importantly, what are your consumers searching for in your reviews? Let's see.

3 Key Elements of a Genuine Local Business Review

Your local business reviews not only help you generate additional money, but they also assist your consumers in making informed purchasing decisions. These evaluations save them time and money by preventing them from purchasing a hyped product that they would never use. As a result, your clients are looking for specific things in your assessments.

1. Authenticity

They carefully examine whether the review they're reading is genuine before making a decision based on it. They look for real people who have written your reviews and visited your store or purchased your goods online to see if they are authentic. As a result, you can't fake it! Your consumers are considerably smarter than you; they'll be able to spot phony reviews. Therefore, appeal to your existing clients to share their honest comments about your products. 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

Your reviews should be genuine, but they should also appear to be so. A 5-star review from a faceless person is too good to be true. Customers will doubt your credibility if your "Reviews" area is full of endless praises and five golden stars. After all, it's hard not to have at least one bad customer experience. Furthermore, some consumers tend to eliminate the negative feedback solely. 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

Your customers, on the other hand, go to your "Reviews" section to seek out more than simply a review. They search for review replies there. Your consumers are savvy purchasers who assess you not only by the good reviews you advertise, but also by how you handle your reviews—and whether or not you respond at all. Your brand's values and attitude towards its clients are brought to light through your response to reviews. It also highlights your company's ideals and attitude towards its consumers. 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.