Reviews are one of the most important things a local business can aim for if they want to grow and thrive. The internet has changed the way that everybody shops, and many people will first look for great reviews before they decide whether to order a product or work with a business at all. Many people will set out to read at least one review before making the decision to visit a business. It’s also worth noting that around 94% of shoppers admit that they have avoided a business due to a negative review!
So, why are reviews so important and what can you do?
Reviews for local business are important for a number of reasons. First, they help to provide social proof. Many people find it comforting that even total strangers found the product/service from a brand good enough to review positively. Reviews also:
Here are a few stats to show you just how important they are:
Now that you know why you need them, what are the best online review platforms? When considering this we also need to consider how Google uses reviews, as well as the impact the reviews have.
If you are selecting an integrated review site then you will want to pick one that has a relationship with Google. These platforms will do the most for your SERP rankings. Some of them include:
Positive reviews are essential to your success, but you don’t need to panic if you don’t have a 100% 5 star rating. In fact, some people said they didn’t trust a business that had nothing but 5 star ratings, as it didn’t seem realistic to them (they may think you are deleting negative reviews or paying for fake reviews). They also give your audience an idea of ‘worst case scenario’, which can further ease their fears about working with you.
Getting reviews for your local business can be as simple as providing an experience your audience will want to shout about, and then asking them to review it. However, if you’re still struggling to get more reviews, the helpful video below can help.
If you are looking to improve your online reputation of your business in Essex or London, we can help as part of a local SEO campaign.
Unearth SEO Ltd (Company Number: 12049270) | Registered Address: 18 Roneo Corner, Hornchurch, England, RM12 4TN
