How to Get more Google Reviews & Fix the Bad Ones

7 Reasons Why Reviews Matter for Small Business

1. People trust Reviews

According to a Neilsen study in 2009, 90% of consumers online trust recommendations from people they know.  70% of consumers online trust recommendations from people that they don’t know.  According to the study a minimum of 6 reviews are required for the consumer to have trust.

24% of of Adults that say they have posted comments or reviews online about the product or services they buy.

2. Reviews effect Search Rankings

Search engines use reviews as a signal of trust and popularity.  Reviews have a low to moderate impact on your business rankings in the search results.  Reviews are Local Ranking Factor # 6 in David Mihms Local Ranking Factors 2011 Report.

3. Better Click Through Rates

Businesses 5 or more reviews stand out in the search results with the stars highlighted in yellow.  The business with the most reviews will almost always be clicked on even if it is further down the page  in the search results.  Think about it, aren’t you going to at least check out (or click through to the website) the business with the most reviews.  How about the business with twice as many reviews as anyone else on the page.

4. Better Conversion Rates

Getting the visitor to your Google Places page or website is only half the battle.  Website traffic without sales is pointless and a waste of resources if they don’t dial your number or visit the business.  People don’t care what you say about your business.  They care what others say about your business.  More reviews will usually turn into more visitors converting to leads and customers.

5.  Reviews aren’t Going Away

Reviews will go away when the internet goes away – never.  Implementing a process to collect reviews and deal with negative reviews is a reality for ALL businesses.  What are you waiting for….?

6. Businesses with the Most Reviews are Winning

Dentist, Doctors, Lawyers, Plumbers, HVAC contractors, Rehab Centers, Hotels, Restaurants, Yoga Centers etc. all win when they have more reviews than their competitors.

7. A Good Review Strategy will make your Business Better

Businesses that implement a solid review strategy and commit to it will become a better business.   You will get better feedback.  You will find out what your doing great and what needs improvement.  You will connect with your customers and community on a deeper more meaningful level.

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