Have you ever wondered how managing your business’ reputation works and how it can impact your organization’s growth and development? Well, we here at Empowered Pulse are glad you asked. Below you will find some key information on how reputation management works and how it can benefit your local small business in an era of online reviews and social media.
Indeed, one’s reputation is no longer formed simply by what is spread through word of mouth as was the case in the old days. In today’s modern-day context, one’s reputation is formed by a number of things such as online reviews people leave, information posted on social media pages and Google searches, along with traditional word of mouth promotion. As a matter of fact, according to a Business2Community infograph, 91% of consumers read online reviews from local small businesses and 84% of those consumers say they trust online reviews as much as they trust personal recommendations.
In light of these findings, it is highly important that you and your small business keep a keen eye on these online platforms so as to make sure that your company’s reputation is protected and not being tarnished unnecessarily by negative reviews as these types of reviews can influence future buyer behavior in a way that negatively impacts your business. Indeed, the last thing your small business needs is for your sales to taper off because a number of disgruntled customers decided to leave nasty reviews on Yelp or Twitter.
Positive reviews, on the other hand, can increase search rankings along with clicks from a prospective consumer’s search according to a Forbes article. These things put your small business in a prime position where it has greater visibility or exposure in the larger marketplace of potential customers.
Below you will find 3 other benefits of positive reviews for your small business:
BENEFIT 1: POSITIVE REVIEWS PROVIDE SOCIAL PROOF THAT YOUR SMALL BUSINESS PROVIDES QUALITY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Having positive reviews from others provides your local small business with evidence that others value your product or service. When other consumers see this social proof they are more likely to trust that you have a good product and service and in the process they are more likely to become customers of your business.
BENEFIT 2: POSITIVE REVIEWS GIVE YOU VALUABLE INFORMATION THAT CAN BE USED IN FUTURE MARKETING CAMPAIGNS
The information left in a positive review can give your small business key insights that can inform future marketing campaigns. For instance, you may find that a number of your positive reviews mention your outstanding customer service or professionalism, these traits or characteristics can be later incorporated into future marketing campaigns or promotional materials to attract new customers or clients.
BENEFIT 3: POSITIVE REVIEWS BUILD TRUST
In a world where many companies are embroiled in scandal and controversy due to deceptive business practices (think Enron), it is no wonder that trust has become a highly sought after quality. Bottom line, if your small business has a number of positive reviews, it shows that you have a product or service that can be trusted. When consumers trust your product or service, they are more likely to stay with you as a customer even if an issues arises.
For more information on reputation management, feel free to contact us.