Let's talk about what reviews are. Those little stars of feedback and comments given after someone buys a product or service. The things that every business wants but hardly ever asks for.
So why should we care about reviews? Reviews are important for two main reasons.
1. Social Proof
We all gravitate towards things that are tried and tested. Because one thing our minds do not like is uncertainty. Having this kind of social proof tells our primitive brains it is more of a safe choice. Hence why businesses with reviews tend to get more business.
2. Visibility
Reviews make you more visible in the digital online world. Platforms like Google and Amazon are search-intent based services, which means you type in what you want to find or buy, and what appears in front of you is the most relevant. Now, relevance is important, but the product with the highest reviews, even sometimes not the best reviews, will show up at the top of these search results. Because again, it is social proof. These platforms rely on it for their revenue so it is in their best interest to show the most likely results that will end up with us the most satisfied in the shortest amount of time.
Impact of Reviews on Search Ranking
The analysis of Google map reviews reveals a significant correlation between the number of reviews, rating, and the ranking order. A higher number of reviews coupled with a strong rating can establish a business as an authority in its field, resulting in a higher ranking on Google maps. Therefore, businesses should focus on both encouraging more reviews and ensuring customer satisfaction to enhance their online presence and ranking.
How to Get More Reviews?
To get more reviews you could sit there at the end of each day trying to remember each person that visited your business or bought a product. While this is possible, it is not realistic as business owners. We are too busy trying to put out fires or generate new business.
Automatic Review Management
Automatic review management is a set-it-and-forget-it process. Once the initial setup is completed, it requires minimal or no effort on your part to get reviews from clients. It then works for you, kindly asking for reviews for both Facebook and Google on autopilot, round the clock after your service has completed or a product has sold.
So you never have to take time from your existing operations to write that email or SMS, or feel uncomfortable making that ask. By setting up such a system and utilising automation, you can completely remove yourself from this feeling and the additional hours it would take.
Furthermore, this system not only streamlines your review gathering process but also increases your business's visibility in front of potential customers. The more positive reviews you receive, the more likely it is that potential customers will trust and choose your services. The cycle continues as more visibility leads to more business, and more business leads to more reviews.