Would you like to attract new customers to your business? If you’re like most businesses, your answer is a resounding, “Yes”. You certainly don’t want to scare aware potential new customers either.
However, either of this things could be happening based on your business’s reviews on Yelp, Google Places, and other review sites.
With mobile phones becoming commonplace, more and more people are using these review tools in deciding where to do business. Before people try a new restaurant, hair salon, or mechanic, there’s a good chance they are reading the reviews of that business on their mobile phone or computer.
Monitoring your online reviews will allow you to quickly identify potential product or service issues, and hopefully correct them. If someone took the time to leave a negative or low rating, it’s likely that others may have had a similar experience. Low ratings hurt your overall rating and will, over time, result in fewer new customers. Identifying and correcting product or service issues quickly can only help with the long-term viability of your business and reputation, both on and offline.
You can help increase your ratings, of course, by providing a quality product or service, and encouraging loyal customers to report their experiences with your business on review sites. Increased reviews will help your overall rating and balance out any potential low ratings.
If you are in a personal service business where you know the individual who reported a bad experience, you may consider sending them a personal note apologizing for their experience and offering a free or discounted service upon their return.
Attention to your business’s online reviews can help differentiate you from your competition, attract new customers and build existing customer loyalty. How does your business rate online? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
