Online reviews can make or break a company. Online customer reviews are crucial in marketing, considered highly trustworthy. A BrightLocal consumer review revealed that 91% of 18-34 year olds trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. The same review also found that consumers read an average of 10 online reviews before feeling able to trust a local business. This means that if you’re missing out on getting online reviews, you’re missing a serious trick.
In order for your business’ credibility to grow in the competitive online marketplace, you’ll want satisfied customers to leave genuine reviews to impress first-time visitors to your website. But what is the best way to ensure that your customers are leaving online reviews? And how can you make sure that these reviews are genuine? Here are a few strategies to help you:
Give customers multiple places to leave reviews
Depending on where your potential customers are doing their online research about your products or company, you’ll want them to be finding positive reviews wherever they go. This means setting up review options on different sites and platforms such as Yelp, Google Reviews, Facebook and Amazon.
Respond to every review
No company wants to receive a negative review, however the real test is how you respond to that review. There is often still an opportunity to turn that negative into a positive, depending on how your approach the situation.
Optimize your online content
By adjusting your online content to drive customers to spaces where they can leave reviews. You make it easier for them to do so. Your website, blog, and email marketing should all offer reminders and links, directing customers to Yelp, Facebook, TripAdvisor or Google to leave reviews for your business.
Offer incentives
Sometimes people need a friendly little push to leave a review – an incentive can be a great way to do this. It could be a discount off their next purchase, an inclusion in a larger contest, a gift card, or free item with their next order.
Ask at the right time
It’s important to request customer reviews at the right time, so customers are open to giving their feedback. Good times to ask could be after they’ve received their item. When they are returning to your website to browse new products, or after they have referred a friend to you. Make sure to approach customers with open-ended questions, rather than just directly asking for a review. Questions such as “How are you enjoying your new item?” or “Are you ready to re-purchase?” are great ways of interacting with customers and sparking conversations.
Could you use a hand with your online marketing efforts to ensure customers are leaving their genuine reviews? Contact the team at Skyfall Blue – we’re here to help you!
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