How often do you check your online reviews? This simple act should be a top priority for your business. Online reviews are a way for your audience to directly communicate with you, as well as see others trusting in your organization. They also boost your visibility, giving you a leg up on your competition (if they’re handled appropriately). We recommend checking your reviews regularly, as they offer numerous benefits and valuable insights.

Your audience pays attention

Reviews are one of the first things your audience sees when they search your organization’s name online. The average star rating, whether you like it or not, will appear and will affect how your audience perceives your brand. In an article by Forbes, 75.5% of consumers said they trust online reviews. In that same study, 49% of respondents said they trust online reviews as much as they would trust a direct recommendation from a loved one. This is a significant piece of data that shows just how seriously your consumer base takes your company’s reviews. 

Reviews boost your visibility

Google reviews have an impact on local SEO. The algorithm favors businesses that have a large quantity of reviews, high-star rankings and more recent reviews. By prioritizing your online presence, you can appear at the top of search results. One way to do this is by asking your trusted customers to leave a review. They will have great insight into your business practices and can provide thoughtful information to those who find your page. It is important to note that purchasing fake reviews will harm your ranking. Google will flag any suspicious activity and potentially ban your account.

How and when to respond

To respond or to not respond – that’s a question many of our clients ask! It truly depends on the content and context of the review. If you have questions about a negative review, it may be appropriate to reach out and ask the reviewer to contact you further. If it’s a review with no text, just stars, you probably don’t need to send them a reply. It’s also a good idea to check out your numbers. Does your brand have thousands of reviews, or is it just a few? Consider these factors before you begin typing away.

Using reviews for your business

Reviews offer a glimpse into your customers’ minds. Use them as a guide to improve your product or service. You may find multiple reviews mentioning the same thing – that’s your cue to take a look inside and see what you can refine. If you receive a rave review that spotlights your team members or company as a whole, consider using that on your website or social media platforms. Reviews are a great way to get client testimonials without the hassle of reaching out directly.

At Obsidian Public Relations, we help our clients with review management. It is our goal to help you receive great reviews and boost your visibility. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us today.