The Value of Online Reviews
“You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.”
The above quote comes from John Lydgate or Abraham Lincoln, depending on who you want to believe. Regardless of who said it, this sentiment is a true classic. Despite your best efforts, you’re not going to get a five-star rating from every customer with whom you interact. But you can realize the value in a great rating when you do receive it!
Why should you be concerned with your online ratings? Because it can make a huge difference to your business in very direct ways. Here are some facts to back up that statement:
- According to research, 82 percent of U.S. adults say they at least sometimes read online customer ratings when purchasing something for the first time. Forty percent of these people do it all of the time. When comparing similar products on a web site like Amazon, I always read a couple of the customer reviews to make sure that I’m planning to purchase a quality product.
- Online shoppers are eight times more likely to check online reviews than those who never shop online.
- Stars mean sales. According to research, for restaurants rated on Yelp, each added star added a 5 to 9 percent increase in revenue. When selecting a new restaurant while traveling to a new area on vacation, I make sure to read the Yelp reviews to find one that is appropriate for my family and budget.
- Reviews have a significant impact on how your website performs in search. Studies have shown that adding reviews to your website can generate up to 40 percent more page views than those without.
Online reviews are sometimes the closest that we can come to seeking the advice of a trusted friend. Sometimes your online friends who are reviewing your purchases or restaurants are the closest that you can get to water-cooler conversation!
And business owners should take note of both positive and negative reviews online. Responding to the negative reviews in a way that offers guidance and help in making the situation right in the mind of the customer has an impact. Additionally, using positive reviews as a future marketing tool on your website and social media feed will also benefit your establishment with real-world kudos.
Written by Blog Contributor: Jennifer Hicks
