Before people click “buy” or make plans for a night at the newest local restaurant, chances are a review is read. Because of this, the quality and quantity of a business’ online reviews can significantly impact its reputation and bottom line.
Following a project’s completion, DOJO Creative encourages clients to leave a brief Google review, as we understand the boost a positive note can provide the business.
Data also illustrates the heavy influence online reviews have on consumer behavior.
Truth & Credibility
According to BrightLocal, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, and 79% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Decision-Making
A study by Spiegel Research Center found that displaying reviews can boost conversion rates by 270%.
Revenue Growth
Businesses with higher ratings on review platforms can see an increase in revenue. For example, a Harvard Business School study revealed that one-star increase on Yelp can lead to a 5–9 % increase in revenue.
Increasing Positive Online Reviews
Deliver Exceptional Service
Though it may seem a no-brainer, the foundation of positive reviews is excellent customer service. Aim to make sure every customer interaction is positive.
Ask for Reviews
Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews by asking them directly after a purchase or service. A simple request can go a long way in increasing the number of reviews.
Make It Easy
Include links to review platforms in follow-up emails, on your website and on social media channels.
Offer Incentives
If you can, consider offering reviewers incentives such as discounts or loyalty points.
Engage with Customers
Respond to each review, whether it’s positive or negative, and genuinely consider the feedback. Doing so demonstrates that you value their input and noting shortcomings can help smooth out operational wrinkles.
How to Handle Negativity
It’s likely your business will be hit with a negative review. How you handle it can make all the difference. We recommend addressing the review swiftly in a polite and professional tone. If you need to, sleep on it for a night and come back to it with a fresh perspective the next day. Then, acknowledge the customer’s concerns, apologize for the inconvenience they experienced and offer a solution or a way to correct the situation.
After the customer interaction, use the negative review as constructive feedback to pinpoint areas of improvements. Relay your findings to your team and make necessary changes based on your collective understanding to prevent future issues.
How DOJO Creative Can Help
At DOJO Creative, we offer secure web hosting while crafting white-glove deliverables, from websites and logos to brochures, banners, business cards and more. At our core, we help companies elevate their brands and create better customer experiences while keeping web operations running smoothly on the back end.
In your business’s quest for building a better online reputation, consider partnering with DOJO Creative. Contact DOJO Creative partner Doug Elder today at 574-276-4998 or doug@letsgodojo.com to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services!