Key Success Element #8 - Reviews And Star Ratings
Reviews & Star Ratings: The Peer Pressure That Wins Or Loses Customers
Your online reputation is a very important part of your business that needs to be closely monitored. If you fail to manage it, negative reviews can shape whether other people decide to become your customer — while positive reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, and Facebook turn readers into new customers.
Run Your Free Business Success Scan NowThe Peer Pressure Effect Of Reviews
Here's how reviews and star ratings shape customer decisions — and what to do about it:
What Others Think Matters
Ask yourself, would you rather eat at a two star restaurant or a four star? Would you drive a mile or more further to get to the four star? It is the ultimate form of peer pressure — what others think matters.
Customers Place Themselves In The Review
When a potential customer reads a review, they place themselves in that same experience. If the experience was negative, they will most likely look elsewhere for the service. But if the reviews are positive, the same is true — and they turn into new customers for you.
Know Where You Stand Right Now
Reputation management begins by knowing where you are right now. What are your business reviews like on Google, Yelp, and Facebook? These three sites are the most highly visited websites for reviews and star ratings.
Ask For Positive Reviews
The most important thing you can do to get positive reviews is to ask for them. Customers with a very positive experience get caught up in their busy day and rarely post — but customers with a bad experience are far more likely to post. Keep encouraging your best customers to tell others about their experience.
Why This Matters
Your online reputation is a very important part of your business that needs to be closely monitored. If you fail to manage your reputation, it is likely that people may post negative reviews that will then impact the decisions of other people on whether to become your customer or not.
The Bottom Line
Reviews and star ratings are the ultimate form of peer pressure — and asking for them is the most powerful thing you can do about it. Once you complete the Business Success Assessment, you will know where you stand currently for your reviews and star ratings, and you will be provided with the resources to help you manage your business reputation going forward.
Find out where your business stands on reviews and star ratings before your customers do.
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