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In the new world of social media, where people tweet and twitter, while researching every possible option before making a purchase, obtaining online reviews is a critical component of any business that wants to succeed in their local market and beyond, especially businesses that are geared for tourism.
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Research recently released by Inc.com showed that 91 percent of people regularly or occasionally read online reviews and 84 percent of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation.
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“If you are in business, you can’t do without Google reviews. Reviews make you visible to people searching for your type of business,” said Joe Voutour, a Snowflake resident, ambassador with the Snowflake-Taylor Chamber of Commerce and tech-savvy businessman who helps businesses learn how to obtain online reviews, whether they be through Google, Yelp or any other review platform.
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Thinkwithgoogle.com, a website that offers insight into the minds of today’s consumers, noted, “Today people can, and do, prepare for every aspect of an experience, big or small.” Whether taking a vacation or just going out to eat, the site notes that people “have a low tolerance for surprises,” which is why good reviews are a key factor in business growth.
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But getting those reviews is the challenge. Voutour said the way most businesses get their reviews is by asking the customer to give them one. If the business experience was positive, most customers will agree to go home and do a review, but very few follow through, leaving the business with no reviews, or worse, only bad reviews and usually low on the Google search.
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Voutour went on to say that businesses can collect email addresses and pursue the review that way, but technology has created a simpler way.
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“We can develop a simple app for a business that is on their computer or smart phone complete with their business logo. From there the employees ask if the customer is willing to do an online review. If they agree, the employee enters the customer’s name, phone number and or email address into the form on the app, and the customer receives an invitation to do an online review.”
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The great component of this simple app system is that any review, three stars or less, is sent back to the business and not added to the online review. “This helps the business be able to go back to the customer and ask what can be done to make it right,” continued Voutour, “Whereas a four or five star review goes directly to Google. Every week the business receives a report of the Google reviews they have received.”
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Reviews that are three to six months or older, do little to nothing to help a company. Consumers are savvy and are looking for recent, updated reviews and will typically choose the company with most reviews that are current and have four stars or better.
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“Google pays no attention to anything over 90 days,” said Voutour. “A consumer wants to know who this business is today not six months ago and it is important to maintain those reviews by adding new fresh reviews constantly.”
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Talking about Google is one thing, but for Voutour the actual experience is another, and right now his company is offering local businesses the chance to experience a month of Google reviews at no cost.
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To learn more about how Google reviews can help your business, visit www.123theBig3.com or call Voutour at (253) 740-5313.
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