You may be thinking, “Do our potential customers really care about what is being said about us online?” The simple answer is, of course they do.
In life, and especially in business, first impressions mean everything.
Online Reviews Do Matter
97% of people read reviews for local businesses. BIA / Kelsey
90% of respondents who recalled reading online reviews claimed that positive online reviews influenced buying decisions, while 86 percent said buying decisions were influenced by negative online reviews.Dimensional Research
If someone is searching Google looking for a product or service, at first glance they are open to all businesses that a Google search presents them with.
However, when they start looking in greater detail, one or more bad reviews could mean an instant rejection off your business, and move them onto looking at others instead.
After all, why should they choose to go with a business with negative reviews when there are businesses that have mostly positive ones?
The Cost of Negative Reviews
Only 13% of consumers will consider using a business that has a 1 or 2 star rating.SearchEngineLand
Four out of five consumers have changed their minds about a recommended purchase after reading negative online reviews.Cone Communications
With it being so easy for consumers and past customers to voice their opinions in the form of online reviews and comments, online reputation management has become a critical part of business.
The Value of Positive Reviews
Customers are willing to spend 31% more on a business with excellent reviews.Invesp
Look, here’s the deal.
You can invest as much time and money into advertising and creating your brand to be just how you want it; but at the end of the day, nothing beats a fantastic online reputation and if your reputation is less than stellar then all the positive things you are doing to build your business may be in vain.
