We all know that online reviews are good for business, whatever the sector(here's the secret to getting many more). But do we realize just how good? 70% of customers read reviews of establishments they intend to visit in the future*. Here's a look at how you can benefit from positive reviews on Google and other platforms, in 7 key points.
Read the article: How to request Google reviews?
Consumers are increasingly demandingonline reviews. This phenomenon is based on social proof, a psychological mechanism studied since the 1980s. It encourages us to make decisions based on the behaviors we observe around us. And, increasingly, on the basis of online opinions.
For 93% of consumers, online reviews have already influenced a purchasing decision. Positive reviews can help you find your way around an increasingly dense and diverse range of products and services, such as shops and restaurants. By boosting your Google reviews, you'll generate much more social proof, and therefore sales.
Online reviews aren't just about Google: they're also about recommendation platforms. You know the most important ones: Tripadvisor, TheFork, and Facebook, which also centralizes many reviews.
Each of these platforms can give you decisive extra exposure to boost your sales with positive reviews. These sites generate footfall in-store and website traffic. Some, like Lafourchette, even generate table reservations. Free of charge, they are a great tool for restaurateurs looking to develop their business.
Positive reviews are far more effective advertising than what companies say about themselves. According to a recent study, online reviews are 12 times more credible than marketing content issued directly by a brand.
They help build your online reputation, a 2.0 sounding board for traditional word-of-mouth. The exposure and trust they generate can help you increase your sales thanks to additional customers. By responding to Google reviews, you can gain a great deal of visibility and increase your web ranking.
Once you've collected positive reviews, you can capitalize on the trust of existing customers. There are several ways ofdisplaying your 5-star rating. Many businesses have an "online reviews average" widget on their site, with modules from independents such as Trustpilot, Avis vérifiés, Trusted shops or Custplace.
In physical stores too: more and more shops, restaurants and hotels are using stickers or supports to display their 4 or 5 stars in-store, on the front or at the checkout. These devices help build trust and generate social proof, right up to the store floor.
Appearing on Google Search' s local map and on Google Maps is an enormous drive-to-store lever. So how do you get listed on these local SEO tools? Positive reviews! 5-star reviews and ratings are one of Google's main ranking criteria. To take advantage of this, it's in your interest to pamper your Google My Business map and encourage your customers to leave reviews.
Positive reviews are a one-way ticket to the top of Google's results pages. Whether for your local or general SEO, they are considered an essential ranking criterion by the American giant.
A high average rating doesn't just put you at the top of Google: the 5 stars displayed next to your business name encourage people to click on the link to your site. Positive reviews set off a virtuous circle, helping you to boost your online visibility, in-store traffic and sales.
Last but not least, positive reviews reduce the impact of bad ratings and bitter comments. Out of control, these have a devastating effect on sales!
60% of consumers who plan to visit a business consider a rating of less than 3.5/5 to be a deterrent. Positive reviews will help you stay well above the waterline and maintain your sales.
There are several ways to get more online reviews. First and foremost, we exclude the purchase of fake reviews, which is totally proscribed. To encourage customers to post real reviews, you can ask them to do so: this is the slow way. The fast way is, of course, the Booster from Hey Pongo! It's a competition that boosts the customer reviews of any business: restaurant, hair salon, beauty salon, store, etc...
With the Booster :
* Source: Partoo survey
