In today’s age, online reviews and ratings can make or break a business. Potential customers look to ratings to determine whether or not they want to support a business. With all that pressure, striving for a perfect five-star rating can be tempting. However, is that always the best approach? Let’s dive into the complexities of online reviews and how they can impact your business.
Five Star Reviews Only!
Firstly, it’s important to note that a perfect five-star rating isn’t necessarily the goal. While it may look impressive, it may appear fake to consumers browsing the web. A mix of ratings ranging from three to five stars can be more beneficial to your business. A mix of ratings shows potential customers that the reviews are authentic and will provide a well-rounded view of what to expect.
Quality Over Quantity
In addition to mixed ratings, quality should always come first over quantity. While an abundance of five-star reviews can look impressive, the content within the review truly matters. Customers aren’t looking for generic praise. They want specific examples of what made their experience great. Genuine reviews can truly paint a picture of what customers can expect from your business and are much more valuable than a high quantity of generic, uninformative reviews.
Responding to Negative (& Positive) Online Reviews
While we recommend responding to both positive and negative reviews, negative review responses are even more essential to your business’s online rating! Respond to negative reviews with understanding and a willingness to make things right. This effort to resolve or correct a negative experience can help change a customer’s perception of your business. This type of response shows that you take feedback seriously and are willing to go above and beyond to provide a positive experience. If you can “make it right” in the eyes of the customer, ask them if they would be willing to update their rating and review!
Where to collect reviews?
In terms of where to focus your reviews, it depends on your business.
- Google My Business is a popular platform for reviews, allowing businesses to appear in Google searches and maps.
- However, if your business has a strong social media presence, Facebook reviews can be just
- as impactful.
No matter what platform they are on, keep an eye on reviews and respond promptly to any feedback.
In the end, the focus should be on providing exceptional service rather than striving for a perfect five-star rating and listening to the feedback provided, both good and bad! Remember these tips and watch as your review ratings naturally improve over time.
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Marisa Lyon
Marisa is the Finance and Marketing Manager at Innereactive, and we are so grateful to have her. She enjoys helping businesses find the right solution for their marketing needs.