Are you using customer reviews to enhance your marketing? If not, do you know why you should?
-
In these modern, high tech times that we live in, almost everyone heads to the world wide web first when considering a purchase. Typically, they do general research on the product or service they’re looking for before using local search engines to find a nearby merchant. As information overwhelm and security issues have grown, more people are choosing to deal locally when it actually comes to buying. They want relaxed, trustworthy transactions. That’s where customer reviews can be a tremendous help, both to the consumer and businesses.
-
Customer reviews are just that, an endorsement or disgruntled note about a customer’s experience with a company and/or their products. They can be likened to a background check before a purchase.
-
Unbiased peer reviews provide the following benefits for consumers:
• Gives them a sense of you and your products and service
• Establishes trust
• Opens communication, gives them a voice and a chance to respond to sales and service
-
This isn’t just about what customer reviews can do for customers, though that is of prime importance to establish loyalty and reputation. Reviews can increase your sales conversions dramatically.
-
It is estimated that nearly 80% of shoppers in the U.S. put more trust in businesses with peer reviews. Think Amazon and eBay if you need a couple of examples. Also, note the word, peer. People place the most trust in reading how other shoppers liked a company over an expert’s view. This is a confidence builder for your business, as well as free word-of-mouth advertising.
-
Customer reviews will also catch and hold a consumer’s attention while they’re looking for a place to make their purchase. Everyone’s in a hurry these days, and it’s too easy for them to click away from your site or listing to move on to the next company. People are interested in reading real reviews. They will stay on the site or listing to do so.
-
Another benefit of having reviews is their affect on your page ranking in local search engines. A certain percentage of positive reviews can give you a higher rank. This fact gives a lot of credence to maintaining your very best level of customer service at all times. Happy customers come back. Through the use of positive reviews, they bring others with them. Each reviewer becomes a salesperson for you.
-
So, there you have some pretty excellent reasons for using customer reviews. Treat your customers well and encourage them to leave a review. Then watch your inquiries and sales rise.
-