How to Increase Positive Online Reviews (Tips and Strategies)

In an ever-evolving and competitive business landscape, one small portion that slowly became a crucial component in shaping companies’ success is online reviews. These comments that were seemingly overlooked before now have immense power in determining a company’s reputation. In an era where consumers are relying on public opinions before availing of services or buying products, we will discuss how you can ensure that you can establish a good relationship with your consumers and translate those experiences into good reviews that will help your business thrive.

The Role of Reviews in a Thriving Company

To properly grasp the role of online reviews and to understand why it’s becoming essential for success in almost every business, several studies and surveys have been conducted to see how these reviews are affecting a company’s reputation. According to Bright Local, 76% of consumers regularly read online reviews when browsing local businesses, while Cone’s research revealed that 4 out of 5 consumers have changed their purchasing decisions based on the negative reviews they’ve seen online.

These studies provided a glimpse into how reviews, both positive and negative, play a role in determining a consumer’s purchasing decision. In the same survey conducted by Bright Local, it was stated that a large percentage of consumers use Google and other renowned platforms such as Yelp and Facebook to evaluate reviews before proceeding with a purchase.

The Psychology Behind Online Reviews

Since 2010, Bright Local has noticed a tremendous shift in consumer perception when it comes to online reviews. Along with this change were different strategies to encourage feedback and the rise of various platforms where consumers can leave firsthand experiences of an establishment.

Studies have shown that 98% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, while 81% are more likely to leave positive reviews following a decent experience with an establishment. These statistics serve as a great measuring point for the level of quality service you should provide in order to receive positive online reviews across all platforms.

Tips on How to Increase Positive Online Reviews

Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

The foundation of every review, regardless of whether positive or negative, lies in customer service. For business owners seeking the former, ensure that you consistently go above and beyond with your service. Exceed expectations at every step of the consumer journey to increase their likelihood of sharing positive experiences.

Actively Reach Out for Reviews

Following a transaction, don’t hesitate to request feedback from your satisfied customers. Not only does this ensure that you get your feedback right away, but you are also going out of your way to make it easy for your consumers to share their experiences.

Provide a Seamless and Convenient Review Platform

Part of getting good reviews is making sure that they get into your platform first. Ensure that your review platform is well-optimized and user-friendly to avoid overwhelming your consumers and, instead, empower them to share their thoughts on their experience with your company.

Engage With Your Consumers

Once your consumers leave their reviews, Ensure that you respond to those reviews, both positive and negative. Engaging with consumers provides a sense of personal connection, and it shows that your company values their feedback and is committed to improving your customer service every step of the way.

Don’t be Afraid to Showcase Your Reviews Online

Don’t hesitate to showcase your current positive reviews prominently on your website and social media. This strategy instills a sense of confidence in your potential customers and might even inspire them to add to that lineup of encouraging experiences.

Utilize Email Marketing

Another way to reach out for reviews is by sending emails. Following a purchase, make sure to send follow-up emails asking them to share their experience with your company. Make sure to provide links to your chosen platform to ensure a smooth consumer journey.

Encourage User-Generated Content

One of the most underrated strategies to get positive reviews is through user-generated content. Encourage your consumers to share photos and videos of themselves enjoying your product or services. Over time, potential consumers will come across this trove of content and be encouraged to try out your products and, potentially, join in on sharing their experiences.

Constantly Analyze and Adapt

Much like any business, it’s essential to adapt and adjust the way you handle your business. In the context of your online reviews, regularly monitor what’s being said about your services, and in return, you can use these as your reference on how to get more positive reviews moving forward.

Don’t Forget to Express Your Gratitude

Pay attention to the power of adequately showing gratitude to your customers. Thank customers for their reviews, regardless if positive or constructive, as these messages are going to help you improve your services while fostering a good relationship with your consumer base.

Strategies to Implement to Increase Positive Online Reviews

Make the Most Out of Social Media

Social media is such a powerful tool once you know how to utilize its features correctly. You can leverage your social media presence to encourage reviews by running contestants, asking for reviews via polls, and creating engaging content to boost your followers to share their experiences with your company.

Explore Collaborations with Influencers

Partnering with influencers has been one of the proven methods to promote your brand digitally. In terms of getting new positive reviews, partnering with influencers will open your products and services to a new market, and in return, these new potential customers will leave positive reviews on your platform.

Implement Referral Programs

Referral programs are a great way to reward loyal consumers by encouraging people to try out your brand. These programs not only benefit your customers but also open up the possibility of new people leaving reviews on your platform.

Feature Customer Testimonials

Showcase your hard work by turning your customer testimonial into marketing materials. Post it across all your platforms, including your website and social media. From the perspective of your potential consumers,  this instills confidence to avail of your services and, over time, translates into more positive reviews.

Final Thoughts

Online reviews have slowly become a cornerstone in determining the success of businesses in today’s ever-competitive landscape. These reviews are detrimental to establishing your brand’s reputation, digital visibility, and influence consumer behavior. At Virtudesk, we thoroughly understand the gravity of taking advantage of this change in the business world. That’s why we equipped all our virtual assistants with all the necessary skillsets to monitor and make the most out of your online reviews, allowing you to build a trustworthy brand that thrives and establishes yourself as one of the top competitors in your respective industry. Get in touch with us now to explore your options. 

FAQs

• How can I increase my chances of getting positive reviews?

Providing excellent customer reviews and ensuring that your products or services exceed their expectations are good ways to start. You can also explore different convenient approaches that encourage them to leave a review on your business.

• How do my positive reviews help my business’s reputation?

In this digital age, where everyone spends most of their time online, coming across positive information regarding your business can play a huge factor in convincing potential consumers to try out your products and services.

• What platforms should I use to collect reviews?

Focus on platforms that are relevant to your industry and where your target market usually spends most of its time. Also, build your business’s social media visibility on sites like Facebook and Instagram.

• How long does it take to see the effects of the positive reviews left on my business?

There’s no definitive timeline on when the reviews are going to take effect. But generally, your business can start to see an increase in customers willing to try out your business in a span of a few months.

• How should I handle negative reviews?

One good way to handle negative reviews is to focus on perceiving these as criticism and motivation to improve your services. Make sure to address the review in a professional manner.

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