Online reviews are important for bringing in new customers
Online reviews play a significant role in shaping your business. They can help you develop your brand, attract new leads, drive more revenue, and educate yourself on strategies to grow and improve your business. They truly are an important resource for your business, and they’re only becoming more important by the day.
Many business owners see online reviews as a waste of time. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.
The biggest mistake that a business can make is neglecting the vital element that is online reviews. They can quite literally make or break your online presence. And in today’s increasingly saturated and competitive world, you can’t afford to neglect them.
Online reviews are important because they have become a reference point for consumers across the globe and because so many people trust them when making purchasing decisions.
Think about it – Do you check online reviews before making a purchase?
Here are some reasons “Why online reviews are so important”
1. 87% of people first check online reviews before making a purchase
87% of people first check out what other people are saying about a business before making the decision to further the interaction. Reviews are, therefore, a major driver of the commerce that takes place across the globe on a daily basis.
2. 78% of people trust online reviews
Around 78% of people trust online reviews as much as they do personal recommendations.
The fact that people are willing to trust perfect strangers is a truly amazing piece of data and should be motivation enough for every business to make sure that they get positive online reviews.
3. Bring in new customers
Online reviews are important for bringing in new customers. When deciding where to have your hair done, where to eat, what to do, where to go or what product to buy, users now turn to the internet to help make their decision. A star rating lower than four will turn away 57% of customers reading online reviews. This effect can be reversed as well. Customers may never have heard of your business before, but reviews can sway them. If they see other customers enjoying your products or service, they will be more willing to give you a try themselves.
4. Stay Ahead of the Competition
There are only so many customers and so many salons to choose from. No matter what business you’re in, you know that you have to bring in your audience before your competitors do. If you gather reviews faster than your competitors, or you continually work on getting new reviews, you’ll maintain this advantage.
5. Word of Mouth Marketing
Word of mouth is every good business’s best friend. When you do good work and customers recommend you to family and friends, it’s like a high-quality advertisement you never had to pay for. Online reviews are the internet version of word of mouth marketing. Research shows that 78% of customers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. In some cases, like when customers share their endorsement via Facebook with their friends, an online review becomes a personal recommendation as well.
6. Resolve any Issues
Not all reviews are positive. Even if you take great care to create an exceptional experience, you will inevitably have some negative reviews. However, not all negative reviews are bad. This is a good chance to know about problems with your business and fix them. 95% of negative reviewers said they would return to a business if their complaint was resolved. If there is a problem, it’s certainly better to know about it as soon as possible before it turns away other customers. Remember that you can respond to a negative review and tell your customer that the issue was resolved. On most platforms, including Locate Your Look, the reviewer can even change their review.
7. Reviews create brand loyalty
Another reason why reviews are important is the fact that they help boost customer loyalty towards a brand. A person who takes the time to leave a positive review on Locate Your Look or any other review site about a particular brand is likely to come back for more business.
Gathering online reviews should not be left to chance. Getting more online reviews starts by simply asking your customers. 70% of consumers asked to leave a review did so, but only 66% are ever asked. Remind your customers in an email, on the end of their service, through a social media message, or whatever way you feel will work best.
