Whether it’s Google My Business Reviews or impactful testimonial videos, reviews play a big role in building trust, boosting your reputation, and making sales. Lots of businesses miss out on golden chances to utilize happy customer reviews to bring in new business. In this post, we’re sharing why reviews matter for small businesses and how you can make the most out of what your customers have to say.
1. Reviews help you rank on Google.
Not only does the amount of reviews your Google My Business profile has help your small business rank on Google for local SEO, but the keywords included in each review have an impact too. Reviews are one of the first things a customer sees when looking at a business’s Google by Business profile – and Google uses these reviews as a way to choose which business to show first for search engine users.
Tip: To use this to your advantage – teach your clients how to write a great review for your business. When asking for reviews, consider sending them a template that includes keywords you are looking to get into your reviews or ask them for a review about a specific product or service.
Reviews influence customers to purchase products from your small business.
According to Qualtrics, 93% of customers read online reviews before buying a product.
Social proof is real: humans copy the actions of others in given situations! Consider your online purchasing history, how often do you check reviews on a product or business before purchasing their products? Creating a high-level brand reputation by gaining positive reviews can greatly increase your sales.
3. Reviews aren’t only important for B2C companies
According to G2 and Heinz Marketing, 92% of B2B buyers are more likely to purchase after reading a trusted review.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking just because your business isn’t B2C that reviews don’t matter. Reviews make buyers trust your business. Use this to your advantage in any way you can, whether that’s social media, Google My Business, or featuring reviews on your homepage. You can also use these as longer format testimonials in the form of videos or blog/project posts. Whatever way you choose to share your reviews – they are sure to have an impact on your sales.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Small Businesses’ Reviews
Testimonial videos
Get a real customer behind the camera raving about your small business, and now your social proof is going through the roof! People love to see and hear other real humans talking about a business they are considering buying from. See if you can get some of your best customers to record a thoughtful testimonial for you that you can share on your website and social media.
Share reviews on social media
Whether you are sharing a review in text format, in a graphic, in a testimonial video, or any other way, using reviews as social media content is a great way to get extra posts on social media and get more eyes on your raving reviews.
Put your reviews in other marketing efforts
Reviews are great additions to things like e-newsletters, flyers, and other marketing materials. Get creative with where you use them and make the reviews stand out!