Do you own a café, a plumbing or carpentry business, or any other type of small business? If so, online reviews are something you should take seriously if you want to see growth. If you think this is an exaggeration, consider the following reasons why Online Reviews matter to small businesses:
Online reviews give small businesses greater visibility
Online reviews can significantly boost the visibility of your small business. As a small business owner, your operations are likely confined to a specific geographic area. For instance, if you run an electrician business, you probably have a small team or even operate solo. Research indicates that up to 84% of consumers out there trust online reviews.
It’s important to remember that your customer base will typically be limited to the surrounding area. If you’re an electrician, your clients will most likely come from a small part of your town.
1. Online Reviews Do Wonders for Local SEO
As a small business owner, your main focus should be on local SEO. Given your limited reach, you want your business to appear prominently on Google and other search engines for relevant local searches. There are several strategies to achieve this, including getting listed on Google Maps.
What many people don’t realize is that online reviews are a powerful tool for improving your local search visibility. By accumulating positive reviews, you can enhance your presence in local search results and attract more customers from your immediate area.
2. Online Reviews Help Build Trust in Your Local Business
When you research online reviews, you’ll find that they serve as a modern extension of the age-old word-of-mouth recommendations that have driven business success for generations. Just as recommendations from friends and family carry significant weight and trust, online reviews can have a similar impact.
Despite the fact that online reviews are often written by strangers, people tend to trust them significantly. In fact, studies show that up to 84% of consumers place their trust in online reviews.
What this means for your business is that leveraging online reviews can greatly enhance your credibility. By actively managing and encouraging positive reviews, you can build a strong foundation of trust with potential customers and give your local business a valuable boost.
Trust matters for small local businesses
Trust is a critical factor for small businesses, especially because interactions often occur on a more personal level. Consider a plumber, for example. This type of business requires entering customers’ homes to perform the necessary work.
For customers to feel comfortable letting you into their homes, they need to trust that you are reliable and professional. This is where online reviews play a crucial role. Reviews not only demonstrate that you can deliver on your promises, but they also provide reassurance that many others in the neighborhood have been satisfied with your services. By showcasing positive feedback from previous customers, online reviews help build the trust needed to attract and retain clients.
3. People Consult Online Reviews Before Making Buying Decisions
The importance of positive online reviews for your business cannot be overstated. In today’s digital age, 90% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision. For a small business, like a carpentry service, this factor can be crucial to your success and growth. Given the limited reach of small businesses, securing positive reviews is essential for attracting new customers and expanding your business.
4. Star Ratings Extensions
Google, for example, incorporates online reviews into its star rating extension system.. To have stars appear next to your business in search results and Google Ads, you need to partner with a company licensed to push online reviews to Google.
One such company is Shopper Approved, which we highly recommend. Shopper Approved not only provides the tools needed to collect relevant reviews from your customers but also syndicates those reviews to Google. This process enhances your visibility by displaying those star ratings on your pages and ads, significantly boosting your online presence.
5. Online Reviews Help You Interact with Your Customers
Online reviews are more than just feedback—they offer a valuable opportunity to engage with your customers. For instance, if you’re a small-town electrician, receiving reviews allows you to address customer concerns directly. If a customer mentions an issue, such as you arriving late, you have the chance to explain the situation—perhaps a flat tire caused the delay.
In the world of the internet, even minor issues can be magnified, potentially leading to a loss of business. However, by responding honestly and transparently, you can actually turn these situations into opportunities to build trust and attract more customers. Engaging with reviews not only helps you address issues but also demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction.
