Today, websites like Yelp, Google, TripAdvisor, Facebook, etc. are all platforms that allow for people to review and rate your business. Ensuring that you have positive reviews is vital so that more people visit your website, use your services, and/or visit your business. Having a positive rating online will also be an advantage for marketing yourself. Almost every popular business is currently on these websites, whether created by the owner or current and former customers. Virtually all businesses can be reviewed on the internet. Lawn services, moving companies, restaurants, realtors, and law offices only scratch the service of all the businesses available to search for to see reviews.
Professionals
Professionals such as medical, financial, legal professionals, and more have been using reviews in their testimonials on their websites and ratings on sites such as Yelp and Google to obtain more clients. Finding a professional is now easier than ever. All you have to do is search the type of service you are looking for and in what area. Results will show up and there will usually be ratings. People will be much likelier to choose a business with a five-star rating, over one with one star. That is why it is imperative for your business to have high ratings.
Realtors especially have been using reviews and ratings when displaying their clients’ homes for sale and rent. For example, several realtors now use Airbnb, VRBO, and Zillow. Reviews on rental vacation rental homes are extremely important because it shows potential renters what other renters have thought about that home. Typically, people go out of town when they go on vacation, so chances are, they won’t be able to see the house in person until they arrive, sometimes months after booking the rental in advance. People will rely on other people’s reviews to determine whether the house is the right one for them. Renting out entire homes, rather than staying a one-bedroom hotel for a similar price, has now been increasingly popular with sites like Airbnb and VRBO. Furthermore, sites like Zillow can put you in touch with realtors that have their ratings posted next to their name.
Bad Reviews
Although there are clearly benefits to these websites, there is always a chance that someone will give a bad review. While you certainly want more positive reviews, it’s nearly impossible to please everyone. One thing that you should do if you receive a poor review is take it into consideration as constructive criticism and reply to the reviewer. Apologize for the reviewer’s experience and see if there is anything you can do to make their one poor experience better. This will show other potential clients that you don’t only pay attention to the positive comments, but that you will also try to make things right for people who were dissatisfied. In the case that you believe there is a fake poor review, you can always contact these companies to inform them of this concern and they can look into it.
Scams
Many companies out there promise that they can successfully market your business or show you how to market it yourself to receive top reviews and ratings. Some companies proclaim that you will have tons of fabulous ratings once you use their services. However, you must do your homework about each company you are contemplating to work with to make sure that they are legitimate. Look at the ratings and reviews and be wary of online business scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it just might be a scam.
