You may or may not know that for the past 4 years I have had my own Review Management company. I get asked what in the world I do so this is a bit about what Revew Management is and what I offer.
5 stars are better than 4
Have you ever looked up a local business online and made a choice without even glancing at its star rating or the number of reviews it has? Probably not, right? You’re in good company. Our research shows:
- A whopping 92% of consumers read at least two reviews before deciding on a local business.
- 68% of the time, people dig into research about a local business before they make a purchase.
- In 2023, SMS usage for review requests jumped by 6% compared to the previous year.
- After getting recommendations from friends and family, online reviews are the most trusted source for sizing up a business’s reputation.
What is RM
What does review management really mean? Think of it as your online reputation’s lifeguard. Review management is all about keeping an eye on, tracking, and actively responding to the reviews people leave on sites like Google, Facebook, and Yellowpages. By doing this, you can tackle customer problems as they pop up, discover what makes your customers smile or frown, and showcase your top reviews as glowing recommendations to reel in even more customers. It’s like polishing your business’s halo for all to see!
Why is review management such a big deal? Let’s dive into it!
- Reviews Build Trust and Credibility Positive reviews are like golden tickets of social proof and peer validation. They’re way more convincing than any promotional pitch a business can make. Showcasing consistent 4+ star ratings across major platforms builds confidence in potential customers.
- Reviews Impact Sales Most people read online reviews before visiting or buying from a business. By managing your online reputation, you ensure that potential customers see positive social proof, making them more likely to choose you.
- Responding to Reviews is a Green Flag People want to feel valued. When you respond to reviews, it shows you care about your customers’ opinions. This not only fosters repeat business but also attracts new customers who appreciate your engagement.
- Reviews are a Vital Marketing Channel Reviews play a crucial role in search engine rankings and visibility. The more high-quality reviews you have, the higher your chances of being found in searches. Managing your review presence is key to leveraging this powerful marketing channel.
“SO what do you do Robin?”
Well, I show you that you need a solid review management strategy. Building a comprehensive approach can make a huge difference in your business’s success. While your strategy might vary based on your specific needs, a good plan generally includes:
- Generating Reviews
- Monitoring Reviews
- Responding to Reviews
- Promoting Reviews
Let’s break down each step:
Review Generation: I use a proactive approach to get you more reviews. Send your customers a review request via text or email after appointments or purchases. This keeps the review flow steady and frequent.
Review Monitoring: I keep an eye on your reviews across all platforms, whether it’s your Google Business Profile or any other review site. Staying on top of this helps you understand the buzz around your business.
Review Response: Responding to customer reviews is a must these days, as most people expect their feedback to be acknowledged. Don’t fret—This is my specialty!
Promoting Reviews: To get more reviews, you need to actively seek them. I ask your customers for reviews, boosting both the quantity and quality of the feedback you receive. This way, you’re not just waiting for reviews to roll in—I am making them happen!
But why does it REALLY matter?
Certainly one of the biggest reasons review management is a must is that customers want to feel heard. When they leave a positive review, they love getting a quick shoutout—a simple “thank you” can make their day! I go a step further and respond to them with your brand “voice”. It is more personal and lets the customer know that they matter to you. It works, trust me.
Reading through customer reviews is like getting a sneak peek into their minds. They often drop some seriously insightful feedback about their experiences, giving you the inside scoop on what they truly want. Use this golden info to spot any negative patterns or common concerns and squash them fast. This way, your business keeps shining bright!
I have even been invited to a wedding after helping a customer get his wifi up and running before his movie and dinner at home date months earlier. Customers appreciate being heard. Later, he let me know that getting his service up and running was what kept him golden. Had he not left a 1 star review, I would not have known to alert the tech support team and they got him back online instantly.
Here’s the deal: this is what I do, and I can do it for your business too! Review management is a crucial part of brand management, and I’ve got the research and data to back it up. I’d love to help you out, so go ahead and shoot me an email at thecoconutbird@yahoo.com. Let’s make your business shine!
Here is one place you can see some of my work
I have been helping Smartaira for almost 4 years.
You can read my other blog posts here
Thank you for stopping by. Be kind to everyone