Small Business Reviews
Getting plenty of reviews to back up your product and your service should be a major concern of yours as a small business owner. If this isn’t something you have been focusing on in the past, this guide will tell you why you should and how to go about it.
Below, you’ll find out what every small business owner should know about business reviews:
Reviews Increase Your Social Proof
Social proof is one of the most powerful things a business can have. People want to know that other people, just like them, have used and enjoyed a product or service. Most people these days now look to reviews to ensure they are going to be getting what they are looking for before using a product/service. People love businesses with a lot of social proof!
Reviews Improve SEO
Putting a focus on your reviews is a great way to improve your SEO. Good reviews will help your business to rank in the organic search results, and if the brand is mentioned in a lot of reviews, it will become more relevant. It’s easy to see how Google reviews impact your business in a positive way – so start asking for reviews now!
If You Don’t Ask for Reviews You Might Not Get One
Somebody might really like your product, but that doesn’t automatically mean they are going to turn on their laptop, go to your website, find the right page, and leave a review. In rare instances, they might do this, but it’s not probable.
The best way to get somebody to leave a review for you is to ask for one. Give it a week or so after the product has been delivered and then send an email out asking for a review. Most people will do it if you ask nicely!
Use Your Reviews to Improve
Using your reviews to improve shows that you actually listen to the people using your product/service. They will have valuable insight into how your product and service could improve, so pay attention. You should never stop improving your business.
Never Censor Your Reviews
Getting a bad review is not the end of the world – you just need to know how to handle it. Don’t ignore them. Make sure you promptly respond, apologise, and find a way to fix the situation. However, it’s also important to remember that you can’t please everyone, no matter how hard you try. Bad and neutral reviews, providing there aren’t many, can actually make your business look more credible. Businesses with nothing but 5 star ratings don’t always look trustworthy, as it can seem like they are censoring reviews.
If you are getting a lot of bad reviews, then something likely needs to change.
Make Leaving a Review as Easy as Possible
Make sure leaving a review is super easy. Allow them to click a link from the email you send so they can do it immediately.
Provide an Incentive
Finally, consider providing an incentive – and not just for positive reviews. Offer a 10% discount on a future purchase if they leave an honest review.
Are you ready to start bringing in some reviews for your small business?
