When you’re looking for a new restaurant to try or a new movie to watch, chances are your friends and colleagues are going to have suggestions for you to take into consideration when making your decision. It’s not different in the online space when it comes to your business! With so much of our world being online, our behavior is undoubtedly influenced by online opinions as they can be shared with just a click of a button. These reviews can absolutely impact your business and the reputation it has online. In today’s post, we will take a look at how you can leverage these testimonials effectively in your marketing strategy.
One of the biggest takeaways people get when reading reviews is if the company is trustworthy and credible. If they don’t appear to be, people certainly aren’t going to be handing over their money! Those reviews are proof that people either find your business reputable, or something to be avoided. If those reviews are good, people will have confidence in your brand, ensuring people they are making a sound decision. Did you know 92% of consumers will read reviews before making a purchase? They are not to be ignored!
People also put a lot of weight on reviews because they are sure to be the most authentic. While the business has to ensure a level of professionalism, your customers unfortunately do not. Consumers are only becoming more and more savvy, making it easy for them to spot a fake review from a mile away. You may think it’s a good idea to flood your reviews with fake five-star accounts, but people can easily figure them out. Showcasing genuine reviews from real customers who had a good experience is paramount. If someone leaves a positive comment on your social media or even to your face, there is no shame in asking if they can leave a review on sites like Google, Yelp, etc.
If you’re getting those five-star reviews online, let people know you appreciate their business! Engage with those customers and let them know you hope to see them again. On the opposite end, don’t let those lower ratings be ignored. Let them know they are heard and that you apologize for the bad experience. They may end up giving you another chance! There is no shame in letting people know you hear them and appreciate them.
Now comes the biggest step. Using that free content! Integrating those reviews and testimonials into your online postings is certain to raise your marketing game. Turn them into graphics and feature them on your social media, your website, and any other online platform that can catch your customers’ attention. Those reviews would also be a hit in email campaigns and ads, letting people know you have a credible business that people are talking about.
It’s important to stay on top of this! Check those reviews and analyze the feedback at least once a day to see if anyone left anything new. Identify any reoccurring trends and look for improvement/opportunities. Although it may be easy to let them go by the wayside, be sure to not ignore those negative reviews as well. By actively listening, you’re sure to strengthen your reputation.
Reviews are powerful tools for any marketing strategy. So, how can AIM help? If this isn’t something you necessarily have time for, but recognize the importance of, be sure to check out ReviewsPLUS one of our newest services! Our team will look at your reviews, respond to them, and even work them into organic postings, creating more content for your pages! We’re here to help showcase your successes and bring any room for improvement to the forefront. Embrace the voice of your customers and let their experiences speak volumes about the value your brand delivers!
