Are you on the lookout for those golden yellow stars on Google Reviews?
Customer feedback is more than just a series of comments
In today’s digital age, online reviews are important in shaping a business’s reputation and success.
For businesses across all industries, from local home improvements to chiropractic clinics and from small businesses to large corporations, customer feedback is more than just a series of comments, it's a testament to the quality of service and products provided.
At the Customer Feedback Centre, we understand the immense value of these reviews and how striving for those
envied yellow stars on Google can significantly impact your business.
Why should you care? You already know your business provides the best service.
Yes, I should hope you do, but potential customers often
look for reviews
before making a purchase or using a service.
So your next customers really don’t care what you think about your company and its products or services; they care about what other customers have said about you.
76% of consumers “regularly” read online reviews when browsing for local businesses according to Brightlocal Local Consumer Review Survey 2023.
Positive reviews help build trust and establish credibility, making potential customers more likely to choose your business over competitors.
Google Reviews are particularly influential because they can improve your business’s visibility in search engine results. When customers leave reviews, they generate content that helps search engines understand your business better.
This user-generated content is
valuable for SEO, as it can include keywords and phrases that potential customers are searching for. Higher ratings and positive reviews can also boost your local SEO,
making your business more prominent in local searches.
Influencing Purchase Decisions
Reviews have a direct impact on consumer behaviour. Another survey by Podium revealed that
93% of consumers said online reviews influence their purchasing decisions.
Positive reviews can tip the scales in your favour, encouraging potential customers to choose your business.
Instead, negative reviews can deter them, highlighting the need for businesses to actively manage and respond to feedback.
Reach for the Yellow Stars (sorry had a Steps moment there!!)
Fun Fact
Some of the band members from Steps started their careers working at the Butlin’s Holiday resort in Minehead, Somerset, in the 1990s as Whizy Kids, basically children performers.
I know this because I worked there as a bartender in my early 20s.
The Significance of Google Reviews
Now back to work, Andrew. Google Reviews are one of the most visible and influential review platforms. When potential customers search for your business or related services,
Google Reviews are often one of the first things they see. Those golden yellow stars beside your business name can significantly
impact a potential customer's first impression.
5 ways to receive positive reviews
1. Provide Excellent Service: Now this may seem obvious, but sometimes it’s often overlooked.
You get busy, another customer is waiting to talk to you once you get off the phone call you’re already on, someone else wants an update on a job you're doing for them, etc.
Excellent customer service is the foundation of positive reviews. The better the experience you provide to your customers, the more inclined they are to leave you a positive review.
2. Ask for them
Don’t hesitate to ask satisfied customers to leave a review. Many customers are willing to share their positive experiences, but most must be prompted.
3. Make It Easy
Simplify the process of leaving a review. Provide direct links to your Google Review page and guide customers through the process.
4. Respond to Reviews
Show that you value feedback by responding to reviews, both positive and negative. Thank customers for positive reviews and thank and address any issues raised in negative reviews constructively.
5. Incentivise Feedback
While it's important to follow Google’s guidelines, offering a small incentive for leaving a review can be an effective way to encourage feedback. This could be a discount on future purchases or entry into a prize draw.
How can the Customer Feedback Centre Help?
At the
Customer Feedback Centre, we offer tools and strategies to help you collect and manage customer feedback effectively. Our platform makes it easy to gather reviews, analyse customer opinions, and implement changes based on feedback. By using our services, you can
ensure a steady stream of positive reviews and
maintain a strong online reputation.
Final thoughts:
In the competitive landscape of today’s market,
online reviews are more important than ever. Striving for those golden yellow stars on Google Reviews can enhance your business’s credibility, improve online visibility, and influence purchasing decisions. At the Customer Feedback Centre, we are dedicated to helping you
utilise the power of customer feedback to drive your business forward.
Are you ready to elevate your business with stellar reviews?
I hope the above article was of interest and you found it useful.
If you need our help, then please arrange a call with me.
Author: Andrew Hurrell
