Your ability to get Star Ratings in Google Shopping and AdWords Ads hinges significantly on the review company you choose. Trustpilot and Bazaarvoice are two major players in the online reviews space.
If you’re having trouble deciding between them, this guide will help you choose. Additionally, we’ll explore Shopper Approved, which we consider a top alternative to both Trustpilot and Bazaarvoice.
Star Ratings and Why They Matter
We have explored the topic of Star Ratings in numerous articles on this blog, underscoring their critical role in today’s competitive business environment. While the five-star rating system may appear simplistic at first glance, its influence on customer attraction and engagement is anything but trivial.
Star Ratings have the power to significantly boost your Click-Through Rate (CTR) by providing a clear, visual signal of your business’s credibility and reliability. When potential customers see high ratings, they are more likely to view your business as trustworthy and authoritative, which can greatly influence their decision-making process. High ratings not only improve your visibility but also enhance your reputation, making it easier for customers to choose your services over competitors.
The impact of Star Ratings extends beyond just attracting new customers; it also builds trust and encourages repeat business. For further insights into Star Ratings and strategies for acquiring them, be sure to follow this link.
Comparing Trustpilot and Bazaarvoice
When evaluating Trustpilot and Bazaarvoice, it’s essential to understand how they stack up against each other in the realm of online reviews and ratings. This comparison will help you determine which platform best suits your needs.
A Brief Overview of Store and Product Ratings
Google utilizes data from various approved companies to power its star rating systems. These companies aggregate and push customer reviews, contributing to the star ratings seen in Google Shopping and AdWords.
Store Ratings
There are currently 29 companies authorized to handle Store Ratings. These companies can integrate your business’s online reviews into Google Shopping and Google AdWords, enhancing your visibility and credibility. For a complete list of these approved companies, follow this link.
Product Ratings
Similarly, about 26 companies are approved to manage Product Ratings. They can aggregate and push product reviews into Google Product Listing Ads (PLAs), helping to drive consumer trust and engagement. You can view the full list of approved companies here.
Both Bazaarvoice and Trustpilot Can Handle Store and Product Reviews
Both Bazaarvoice and Trustpilot are approved to manage Store and Product Reviews, making them standout choices for businesses seeking to streamline their review management under a single provider. This capability allows businesses to enhance their online presence by integrating both types of reviews into platforms like Google Shopping and AdWords.
Bazaarvoice Does Not Advertise its Pricing Structure
A distinctive feature of Bazaarvoice is its approach to pricing. Unlike many of its competitors, Bazaarvoice does not display its pricing structure publicly on its website. This lack of transparency means that potential customers cannot easily find details about plans or costs upfront.
This approach suggests that pricing might not be the company’s primary selling point. Instead, Bazaarvoice appears to operate on a more customized pricing model, potentially influenced by factors such as the size and needs of your business and your ability to negotiate terms. This trend is not unique to Bazaarvoice; other review aggregators, including Yotpo, follow similar practices.
To get accurate pricing information, businesses need to contact Bazaarvoice directly. This process can be somewhat opaque, as it requires potential clients to engage in discussions with the company to determine costs. While this may seem unconventional, it allows Bazaarvoice to offer tailored pricing solutions based on individual business requirements.
Trustpilot Pricing
Trustpilot offers a mostly transparent pricing structure on its website, making it relatively easy to understand the costs associated with its services. However, the pricing for the enterprise plan is not listed online; you need to contact Trustpilot directly to receive a custom quote.
For the entry-level plan, Trustpilot charges $299 per month. It’s important to note that this amount must be paid in full for the entire year upfront. This annual payment model is a common practice among review aggregation companies, which often prefer to lock clients into long-term contracts.
While this setup can provide stability for the company, it may not always be ideal for businesses looking for more flexible or shorter-term options. This annual commitment can be a drawback, especially if you are unsure about your long-term needs or want to avoid a lengthy contractual obligation.
Shopper Approved as an Alternative to Bazaarvoice and Trustpilot
In our review of alternatives to Trustpilot and Bazaarvoice, Shopper Approved emerges as a standout option. This platform is an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive solution for both Store and Product reviews. Just like its larger counterparts, Shopper Approved is licensed to syndicate both types of reviews, ensuring that you have a robust system for managing your online reputation.
Shopper Approved Pricing
One of the most compelling reasons to consider Shopper Approved is its competitive pricing. Starting at just $199 per month, you gain access to up to 2,000 accumulated ratings and reviews. This price point makes it a more affordable option compared to Trustpilot and Bazaarvoice, especially for businesses looking to manage their review systems without breaking the bank.
Planet Marketing’s Shopper Approved Discount
To make the deal even sweeter, you can use our link to sign up for Shopper Approved and receive a significant discount. Plus, you’ll get a 30-day free trial, allowing you to test out their services without any initial financial commitment.
While we do earn an affiliate commission if you use our link, we genuinely believe in Shopper Approved’s value based on our long-term partnership and positive feedback from numerous readers who have enjoyed their services.
Reviews.io: Another Alternative
Another strong contender is Reviews.io. This platform distinguishes itself with a unique pricing structure that appeals to small and medium-sized businesses. Unlike its competitors, Reviews.io does not bind you with a lengthy contract, providing the flexibility to end your subscription at any time without penalty. This feature is particularly attractive for businesses that value the freedom to adapt their review management strategies as needed.
In summary, both Shopper Approved and Reviews.io offer compelling alternatives to Trustpilot and Bazaarvoice, each with its own advantages. Shopper Approved provides a cost-effective solution with a solid feature set and attractive introductory offers, while Reviews.io offers flexibility with its no-commitment approach.