Introduction
Today, the consumer is the king! Gone are the days when a buyer would skim through 5 stores, check the price, quality, and design on each of them, and then buy 1 single product. With the advent of E-commerce, consumer behavior and buying patterns have drastically changed. With this changing pattern, reviews and feedback stand supreme. This is where Google reviews are useful.
Google reviews have the potential to influence a user’s decision-making. More than customers, Google reviews can help small businesses build online credibility and gain the trust of their audience. The best part is that it’s not even heavy for the pocket.
What are Google Reviews?
In simple terms, Google reviews are user feedback and ratings on Google search engines and Google Maps. These reviews are the key insights into user experience and the services offered by the business. These reviews help other users to make informed decisions on engaging with your business. It includes:
- Testimonials
- Star ratings
- Written feedback
- Photos & videos of the experience
- Reviewer credibility
Why are Google Reviews Important for Your Business?
Take for yourself: You run a small business. You’re truly passionate about your work and want to attract more customers and grow your business. But the only thing is how can you organically get the word out? The answer is simple – Through Google reviews and in the following ways:
1. Be Seen
The star ratings may seem really small, but it can do wonders for your business. These ratings, feedback, and reviews can get you on the top of SERP whenever somebody asks Google “XYZ business near me”.
2. Builds Trust
Customers trust other customers and that is why each and every review matters. Positive feedback can attract more customers while negative ones can just do the opposite. It all depends on how you handle criticism and convert these negative ones into positive feedback.
3. Business Growth
It is not just about attracting new customers, it is also about your business growth and development. By understanding your customers’ comments and feedback, you can really gauge your audience’s interests and dislikes. In the end, the consumer is the king and you want to make them happy.
So the next time you see a review or a star, it is more than just a rating. It is the voice of your customer, so hear it and work on it.
3. Interaction with Your Customer
Google reviews provide a facility to engage with your customer by commenting and replying to their reviews. You show a small gesture of gratitude by acknowledging their feedback or apologize for the inconvenience and promise a better service tomorrow.
Either way, you ensure to give a personal touch to your business and your customers.
What are The Advantages of Google Reviews?
Having a strong presence on Google holds a major significance. Google reviews have the following advantages:
1. Increases Online Visibility
Increased online presence and visibility is the whole work of Google’s search algorithm. With the help of complex algorithms, Google determines the order in which searches are to be displayed. This includes many factors like the relevancy of the content, the website’s authority, and the user’s location. However, one of the most prominent factors here is Google review. According to research, the quantity and variety of the reviews impact local searches.
When someone looks for any specific product or information, the result page takes them to Google Maps or Google My Business page. This page has a list of local businesses. If your business has good Google reviews and engagement online, your business will definitely shoot up on the result page.
2. Increases Brand Trust
As we mentioned earlier customers trust reviews from other customers. That is because reviews work like a bona-fied proof of your work and credibility. Here are some interesting facts about Google Reviews:
- 90% of customers trust Google reviews
- Approximately 72% believe in online reviews and are expected to buy from that business more.
When somebody expects to buy from you, they are likely to research and look for reviews and feedback. It displays the good experience of other customers and in turn, builds trust among other potential customers.
3. Helps Gain Competitive Advantage
Not only do you stand out but also stand on the top with the help of Google reviews. Good reviews give you a competitive edge, as the customers trust you now. Additionally, having a good number of positive review can boost your rankings on search engines.
You can politely ask your customer to leave a good review in return of your services. It will only take them a little time. Respond to negative reviews politely and professionally.
4. Increases Click Through Rates (CTR)
Google is also like a business. If you have good reviews on Google, customers are likely to click and surf through your business, and hence higher click-though rates.
As per the research and findings, business with 5 start reviews are likely to have 40% more click-through rates than business with 1 star.
Conclusion
If you have just started your business and are looking for business growth, then Google reviews can be a game changer for you. By prioritizing your online reputation and increasing your online presence you can build trust among your audience, rank top on google search engines, and ultimately increase revenue and profits.
The benefits of Google reviews are sharp and clear. So, get ready to leverage these reviews and focus on developing your own business.