In the digital age, online reviews hold immense power. They act as social proof, influencing the decisions of potential customers and ultimately impacting your business's success. As a small business owner, you understand the value of positive reviews, especially on platforms like Google My Business

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In the age of the internet, search and e-commerce, customer reviews are the virtual word of mouth that could make or break your small business. They provide you with valuable insight into the performance of your business, but reviews give potential customers proof of how you will treat them. Based on recent research in 2020, 87% of online users read online reviews before visiting a business, and online reviews impact more than 60% of buying decisions. Online reviews are a highly trusted source of information, with 80% of people trusting them as much as a personal recommendation from a friend or family member. Imagine that, a five-star rating of your product or service from a random internet stranger is as influential to potential customers than a personal endorsement from their mom. Less-than-ideal reviews can harm a business’ performance, discouraging consumers from engaging with your business. Did you know that businesses with two negatives on the first page of search results risk losing 40% of their customers? Throw in another negative to the search query, and that potential for lost customers increases to more than 60%. On the other hand, positive reviews are immensely beneficial to your business and bottom line. Favorable reviews foster trust in your business—78% of consumers say that positive customer reviews make them trust a local business more. And more than 63% of consumers trust businesses with overall ratings of 4 or 4.5 out of 5 stars, while 87% of consumers said they wouldn’t visit a business with less than 3 stars. Respond to reviews is a key step in keeping your business relevant. Customers expect you to respond to their reviews. In fact, 30% of consumers identify that a business’ response to reviews is key when judging local businesses. 89% of consumers read a company’s response to reviews, and 7 in 10 have said that a business’ response to a review has changed their opinion about that business. Not getting reviews? Lets fix that. So how do you actually get consumers to positively review your business? Work to implement these five tried and tested methods. 1. Solicit Them It’s basic, but you can’t expect something you don’t ask for it. More often than not, your customers are willing to share their good experiences with a review. In fact, a reported 60% of consumers left a local business a review when asked. So ask! Follow up with customers after a purchase or recent visit, thanking them for their business and kindly inviting them to share their experiences with your product or service. If you’re making the greatest efforts to produce a good product and satisfy your customers, then you will be rewarded with positive reviews. 2. Consider the Ask In addition to simply doing the asking, consider your approach to soliciting reviews. Vague questions will likely get vague answers, so make sure to customise your feedback. Use a form with specific questions or prompts to get valuable insight into your business, and other online searchers. Your method of soliciting feedback could mean the difference for the growth of your business. For example, instead of simply asking, “What did you think of our product or service?” you might ask, “How did our product or service meet your particular needs or wants?” 3. Engage with Customers As we mentioned, the best reviews feature engagement from your business, responding to their comments, questions, and concerns. It’s not just good business, it invites more engagement and growth. 40% of consumers say that business’ review responses make them believe the company really cares about their customers, so get interactive. But don’t just be satisfied responding to reviews after a purchase is made; work to engage with customers (and potential customers) at each different phase of their customer journey, so they know that your business really cares. 4. Concern Yourself With Customer Service Good reviews typically identify strong customer service principles that your business demonstrates, so to warrant these reviews, you need to make top-notch customer service an elemental part of your business. By providing an above-and-beyond customer service experience, you’re setting yourself up for the ultimate ROI, good reviews and more business. 5. Go the Extra Mile Consider this the all-encompassing principle of how to invite good reviews for your business. In whatever field or industry your business operates, seek to distinguish your brand by not only meeting but exceeding customer expectations. The more you can do to stand out from your competitors, the more your customers will be motivated to spread the (virtual) good word. For your business to grow, it needs good reviews. That much is clear. But don’t leave your ratings—or your online reputation—to chance. Knowing what makes a good customer review, you can now do your part to increase the chances that happy customers will flood your business with positive reviews and their virtual seal of approval.

Our first meeting back for the year was full of excitement. We had a great time discussing everything that has been happening over our break period. Although members talk to each other on a regular basis and exchange ideas out side of our meetings, being together for lunch each week has been missed. As a group we truly support each others ideas, successes and sometimes the odd struggle. If your interested in joining our business network. please reach out via our contact page.