Apr 04 2024
Today, before making a purchase, many of you prefer to check out what others have to say online, whether it’s buying a new smartphone or selecting a plumber. In fact, according to a survey, 95% of consumers read online reviews before they make a shopping decision. That's right—almost everyone checks out reviews.
For businesses, this means that what people say about you on the internet, especially on Google, can make or break your success. So, let's explore how these online thumbs-ups are changing the game for businesses in 2024 like never before.
There's a bunch of research out there that shows just how big of a deal these reviews are. For example, most people now trust what they read in Google reviews just as much as if a friend had recommended something. That's a big shift from the old days when consumers relied mostly on word of mouth.
That’s not all! Adam White, founder of Prosperly, says that when your potential customers are on Google maps, trying to decide on which business they should choose, they look at overall rating first and then total number of reviews second and base the majority of their decision on those two factors.
But why do the customers trust these reviews so much? It's because they're written by people just like them. They've tried the product or service and share what they think. This helps them feel more confident about their choices because they're getting advice from a bunch of people, not just one or two.
One big advantage of having strong reviews is that they can really help people find your business more easily. When your business gets good reviews, it shows up better on Google Maps. This means your business pops up sooner when someone is looking for a place like yours.
That’s not all! These reviews also facilitate zero-click searches, where users find relevant information directly on Google without visiting a website. For example, if they want to know where to find the best pizza, they can see your pizza place's great reviews right there on Google. They don't need to visit another page to decide your choice.
Social proof is a simple but powerful idea. It means that when people aren't sure what to do, they look at what others are doing. When it comes to businesses, positive reviews are a form of social proof. If someone is considering trying a new product or service, they often read reviews online. Seeing many good reviews makes people feel more comfortable choosing that business.
These good words from customers do more than just attract new people. They build trust in the brand. When a business has many positive reviews, it shows it is reliable and good at what it does. This trust is very important. It makes people feel safe when they spend their money with the business. They believe they will get what they are promised.
Good reviews do more than just make a business look good. They can also help your business move up in rankings on websites specific to its industry. For example, if you're a restaurant with lots of positive reviews on a food review site, your restaurant might show up higher in search results. This means more people see your business first instead of your competition.
This works because these platforms often use reviews to decide who gets to be at the top of the list. It's like getting a better spot in line because you have a VIP pass. The more positive reviews you have, the more likely you are to be in that top spot where everyone can see you.
Handling Google reviews through automation well can really help your business shine. Here's how to do it, whether the reviews are good or not-so-good.
First, it's important to respond to every review, the good and the bad. This shows that you care about what your customers think.
For positive reviews, say thank you! It's simple but shows you appreciate their support. A quick "Thanks for your kind words! We're thrilled you had a great experience" goes a long way.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, someone might leave a negative review. To avoid surprises, use tools that alert you when new reviews are posted. This way, you can respond quickly and even reach out to unhappy customers before their feedback is online. You can't delete bad reviews, but by addressing concerns promptly, you can turn a negative into a positive.
As we look ahead into 2024, it's clear that Google reviews are more than just comments about a business. They're powerful voices that can help a business grow in amazing ways. So, embrace these opportunities and make a fantastic year for your businesses.
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