Whether your business is brand new or has been around for years, customer reviews are key to business growth, so pay attention!
Google offers up endless stats on the importance of customer reviews:
- 91% of consumers are actively reading online business reviews.
- 70% of customers consider customer reviews before making a purchase.
- 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendations.
These stats tell us what we already know: When it comes time to make a purchase, we’re all reaching for the closest internet browsing device — and our attention is drawn to those lil yellow stars.
Customers Want Reassurance
We look at reviews for comfort and confirmation. We look for answers and solutions. People read reviews to feel confident. They want to hear from someone like them, someone who had a good experience and found a solution that worked.
That’s why clear, positive feedback is so valuable. It helps potential customers feel more certain about choosing your business.
Know What Homeowners Expect
If you want to get more reviews for your business, start by understanding what homeowners expect. Be easy to communicate with, deliver what you promise, and leave the job site better than you found it.
More Reviews = More Trust
There’s no such thing as too many reviews. Make sure your business listings are updated across Google, Facebook, Yelp, Houzz, and Angi. Add new photos. Keep your hours and contact info current.
An active profile encourages interaction. More interaction means more reviews.
CompanyCam Reviews makes this part easier. It gives you a simple way to request, collect, and share customer feedback with photos — right after the job is done.
Don’t Worry About the Occasional Bad Review
A few less-than-perfect reviews aren’t a problem. In fact, they help prove your reviews are real. When every review is five stars, people get suspicious.
What matters is the overall ratio. If the majority of your reviews are positive, new customers will trust your business.
Always Respond to Reviews
Responding to reviews shows that you care. Keep your replies short and genuine.
Thank people for their feedback. For negative reviews, avoid getting defensive. Acknowledge the issue and offer a solution if possible. This helps others see that you’re responsive and easy to work with.
Use Reviews as Marketing Content
Customer reviews are full of useful content. You can use them in emails, on your website, in ads, and on social media.
Look through your recent reviews. You’ll likely find useful phrases, keywords, or before-and-after photos that show your work in a real way. That kind of content builds trust and attracts more customers.