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Unlocking Your Business's Potential: Mastering Local Competition with Customer Reviews

April 08, 20245 min read

(and How You Can Easily Get Them)

Introduction:

In the vast world of internet marketing, there's a simple yet powerful tool that often gets overlooked: customer reviews.

Think about it. Every single day, your business interacts with customers who could potentially leave glowing reviews. So why is it so challenging to ask for their feedback?

 The truth is, it's not really part of our routine. We get caught up in the day-to-day operations, focusing on delivering top-notch products and services, and forget to prompt our satisfied customers to share their experiences.

 Today, I want to highlight why Google reviews are crucial for small businesses, share strategies to make obtaining them easier, and illustrate how this can lead to a significant uptick in sales almost immediately.

 Let's jump right in.

The Impactful Influence of Google Reviews on Small Businesses

Boosting Online Visibility:

Positive reviews directly impact local search rankings, elevating your business's visibility to potential customers. According to a study by Moz, online reviews make up 10% of how Google and other search engines decide to rank search results. Additionally, BrightLocal's Local Consumer Review Survey found that 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses in 2020, up from 81% in 2019. Businesses with more than 10 reviews get 3.5 times the attention and 69% more clicks.

Enhancing Credibility and Trust:

Numerous positive reviews act as social proof, building trust among potential customers and making your business more appealing. A survey by Spiegel Research Center revealed that products with reviews have a 270% higher chance of being purchased than those without reviews. Additionally, according to BrightLocal, 91% of consumers aged 18-34 trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Another study by Trustpilot found that 72% of consumers trust a business more when they read positive reviews.

 

Shaping Consumer Decisions:

Many consumers rely on online reviews to make purchasing decisions, with positive feedback often swaying them towards choosing your business over competitors. In a study by PowerReviews, 97% of consumers said that customer reviews factor into their buying decisions. BrightLocal's survey revealed that 82% of consumers read reviews for local businesses, with 52% of 18-54-year-olds saying they always read reviews. According to a report by Inc., businesses with positive reviews saw an average increase in sales of 18%.

 

Free Advertising:

Each review serves as free advertising, broadening your business's exposure and informing potential customers about what you offer. According to a report by BrightLocal, 72% of consumers say that positive reviews make them trust a local business more.

 

Feedback for Improvement:

Reviews offer valuable insights into your business's strengths and areas for improvement, guiding strategic decisions and enhancements. A study by ReviewTrackers found that 53% of customers expect businesses to respond to negative reviews within a week.

 

Customer Engagement:

Responding to reviews, regardless of whether they're positive or negative, demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and feedback. BrightLocal's research revealed that 89% of consumers read businesses' responses to reviews.

 

Boosting SEO with Keywords:

Reviews contribute to local SEO efforts, especially when they include relevant keywords related to your business. According to Moz, online reviews make up about 10% of how Google and other search engines decide to rank search results.

 

Fostering Word-of-Mouth Marketing:

Positive reviews encourage word-of-mouth marketing, as satisfied customers are more likely to recommend your business to others. BrightLocal's survey found that 92% of consumers read online reviews and 88% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

 

Generating Social Media Content:

Every review can be repurposed as social media content, further aiding in your business's growth. A study by Bazaarvoice found that brands who responded to reviews experienced an average conversion rate increase of 157%.

 

Attracting a Diverse Customer Base:

By improving visibility and trust, reviews help attract various customers, from locals to tourists or newcomers. According to a survey by Podium, 93% of consumers say online reviews impact their purchasing decisions.

 

Long-Term Reputation Building:

Accumulating positive reviews over time contributes to building a robust, long-term reputation for your business. BrightLocal's survey revealed that 49% of consumers need at least a four-star rating before they choose to use a business.

Simplifying the Process of Obtaining Google Reviews for Your Business

 The challenge for many businesses lies in the cumbersome process designed by Google for leaving reviews. It involves finding the business, clicking a button, and then filling out a review form, which isn't conducive to capturing customers' appreciation in the moment.

So, how do we make this easier?

Step 1: Create a Direct Review Link

 Use the Google Place ID finder to locate your business.

Copy the place ID tag and append it to this URL: https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=REPLACEWITHTAG.

Keep this URL handy for the next step.

Step 2: Design a Review Card with a QR Code

Utilize Canva.com to create a business card template.

Incorporate the review link created in step one into a QR code.

Customize the card with instructions tailored to your business.

Print the cards or have them printed and distributed.

Step 3: Distribute "Review Cards" to Happy Customers

 Identify customers experiencing positive interactions with your business daily.

Politely ask for their help in leaving a review.

Provide them with a review card and guide them to scan the QR code and leave a review.

Common Results of Implementing the "Review Machine" in Your Business

 By employing this system, any staff member can seamlessly facilitate customers' ability to leave reviews in the moment. This leads to a surge in positive reviews, unlocking the myriad benefits discussed earlier.

 

Bonus Tip: This method also aids in mitigating and overshadowing any negative reviews your business may have received in the past.

My Genuine Recommendation and Invitation

 While this process is entirely achievable on your own, I understand the value of your time. My team and I specialize in executing this task efficiently, and we'd be delighted to handle it for you. Within just two weeks, we can have your "Review Machine" up and running, ready to yield tangible results.

 

I guarantee that within 60 days of implementing our "Review Machine," you'll notice a substantial increase in online reviews and reap the associated benefits. If you're not entirely satisfied with the results after this period, we'll refund your investment.

 

Sign Up Now to Let Us Build Your Business's Own "Google Review Machine."

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Reggie Vallente

Chief Digital Marketing Consultant/ Co-Founder Vallente Digital

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