Why You Should Care About Customer Online Reviews

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Introduction

Here are four reasons why every local business owner should not only accept but actively seek out online reviews from their customers.

  • Consumers rely on a wide range of review platforms
  • Most people read reviews on the Internet
  • Consumers’ decision-making is influenced by reviews they read online
  • Most customers read reviews but few leave their own

Consumers rely on a wide range of review platforms

Amazon is one of the go-to destination for consumers seeking reviews online. You should be aware that product reviews can appear on Amazon even if you don’t sell on the site. Further, consumers may be researching your business via reviews they read on regional or industry-specific websites. In other words, it is beneficial for business if reviews are posted on as many sites as possible.

Most people read reviews on the Internet

Fifty percent of people surveyed by Ask Your Target Market said they “always” or “most of the time” read online reviews before making a purchase. Another 25% do so roughly 50% of the time. Only 16% of customers ever read reviews posted online, and 10% never do.

Consumers’ decision-making is influenced by reviews they read online

Three quarters of respondents place a high value on customer feedback posted online. Depending on your product or service, customers will either heavily or lightly rely on reviews. If you’re in the business of selling technology, for instance, you should know that seventy percent of consumers always or often read reviews before buying a new electronic device. Forty percent of consumers always or sometimes read reviews before making a purchase at a national chain store, while thirty-five percent always or sometimes read reviews before making a purchase at a local chain store, and twenty-three percent always or sometimes read reviews before making a purchase at a local chain store.

Most customers read reviews but few leave their own

You’re missing a golden opportunity to win over new customers and convince them to give your business a try if you don’t actively encourage your existing ones to share their positive experiences with others through online reviews. The small percentage of satisfied customers who take the time to write reviews has an outsized impact on how the rest of your potential customers perceive your company. The impact of a single negative review is magnified if reviewers are in short supply.

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