“What’s your family’s favorite thing to do in town?”
How many times have you asked a friend that question? If you’re anything like us, you Googled their answer as soon as they finished talking. Flashy graphics and catchy copy can dazzle potential customers, but nothing beats good, old fashioned word of mouth. And these days, recommendations don’t just come from people you know in real life. A portfolio of 5-star reviews can tip the scales toward a sale, but too many local businesses leave online reputation management — and all the customers that come with it — up to chance.
How to Leverage Happy Customers to Build Your Digital Reputation
Love it or hate it, smartphones can make or break your business. 93% of consumers are influenced by online reviews, whether they’re searching for a birthday party venue, shopping for the best local lawn service, or comparing prices on their phones while walking around a brick-and-mortar business (no, you’re not the only one!). So how can you turn satisfied customers into online influencers?
Get them talking!
Reputation management is marketing, customer service, and customer feedback all rolled into one. Positive reviews are essentially free advertising (and — bonus! — they boost your Google rankings). Good and bad reviews give you insight into what you’re doing right and how your service could be improved. Even negative reviews can build your credibility if you respond to them quickly and thoughtfully. If you want to compete when it comes to reviews, here are 3 things you absolutely must do:
- Follow up. If you wait for reviews to come to you, you’re doing your reputation a major disservice. People will happily complain for free, but with a little encouragement, satisfied customers can become powerful influencers for your business.
- Keep an eye online. What are people saying about you? Without monitoring reviews, you’ll never know. Reputation management and social listening tools can help you track — and even influence — customer feedback.
- Talk back. Reviews are a two-way street. Responding to customer feedback builds trust, showing potential customers that you’re invested in their satisfaction and willing to put in the work to provide stellar service.
It’s time to get your customers talking. Contact TrustWorkz to learn how review management services can help your business.