Delivering a customer-focused service
For any small business, they must deliver a customer-focused service. Unlike large companies that consider customers nothing more than just a number, small companies have to ensure that they do all they can to deliver customer satisfaction on every level.
Consumers are more informed than ever before, and that's down to how they can carry out research at the push of a button. Even if it is a small local business, every business should ensure that they
attract reviews because they are crucial in many ways. As consumers are now more willing to carry out research, they consider it valuable to find that a business has some form of online presence in the form of reviews. If a company does not have reviews, that is more than likely going to work against them, and that is why
you should make sure reviews are a part of your business strategy.
Why You Should Use Reviews to Attract New Customers
Customers are savvier than ever before, and now they are more likely to read reviews to determine whether your business is the right fit for them. Therefore, you should consider utilising services such as
Google My Business reviews and Facebook recommendations to give your business a presence. Whether you are a home improvement company, a clinic or a tree surgeon, you can be sure that potential customers will be doing their research online to see what others think of you.
Reviews enable you to gain trust, credibility and show that you are who you say you are. Word of mouth is no longer enough, even in small, local communities. Therefore, you should encourage customers to leave reviews after you have delivered your service. A straightforward review could lead to several new customers because consumers now value reviews more than anything else. They will showcase who you are, what you do and how you deliver your service, collectively creating a clear image of who you are as a business.
How Do Reviews Allow Your Customers to Trust You?
Potential customers will consider the views of others when deciding whether to use your business. Of course, you can inform people about the service you offer, how you do it and why they should trust you but that isn't what they are looking for. They want to read about people who have had experience with you. Whether it's a good experience, a bad experience or an average experience, every review will enable them to make an informed decision. Reviews will provide insight into what people think of your service, how it worked for them, what they thought was right and whether they will use you again.
So, by encouraging customers to leave reviews, you will begin building up a profile that pushes your business forward and helps it thrive. Even a simple one-line review is better than no review because it's genuine and has come from someone who has used your service or products. Trust is huge when it comes to consumers making a choice over which business to use. Some might even prefer to pay more money than risk making the switch, but if you can use reviews to show them that you are legitimate and trustworthy, they will make the switch.
Why Reviews Show Accountability
As we have touched on already, as a business, you can tell everyone that you are the best out there, but that counts for nothing if there is no real proof. Therefore, reviews show accountability, and they can prove that you really do follow through on your promises. Whether you offer the best roofing service with the lowest prices or the best alternative therapies, if you state it, then you have to back it up, and that's precisely what reviews offer.
Furthermore, reviews are not always going to be positive as it's impossible to please everybody all of the time. However, should you experience a bad review, you will have your chance to respond to it and show how you rectified the situation. This is an excellent way of showing potential customers that you are willing to work hard to find a solution, even if customers are not happy. Taking accountability in this way can actually work in favour of your business and help attract customers.
Are Reviews Good for Ranking Your Website?
Do Reviews Help Your Customers Make a Decision?
Reviews are absolutely crucial when it comes to encouraging customers to make a decision. If your business has no reviews and comes up against a company with reviews, then there is every possibility that potential customers will choose that business over yours. Genuine reviews provide insight and valuable information that helps customers make a decision. Whether it's someone stating that they had excellent service, the staff were friendly, or the product was perfect, it enables customers to understand who you are and what you offer. The more reviews you have, the more credibility and authenticity you generate, which will grow trust. In the world we live in, confidence counts for everything because the competition is fierce, but consumers are more informed than ever before and that all stems from their ability to find out everything they need to know online.
