You Need To Ask Your Customers For Reviews And Here's Why

In today's digital landscape, where choices are endless, and information is only a few clicks away, the voice of consumers has never been more influential. With never-ending options, deciding where to shop, who to book for home repairs, or even have dinner can become a bit overwhelming. 

This is where online reviews come in. Recent data shows that over 93% of consumers will check a business's online ratings when deciding how and where to spend their money. Research shows nearly 79% of consumers say they trust online reviews as much as they trust referrals from friends and family. 

Having reviews, especially positive ones, is essential to continuing to scale your business in 2024. As a business owner, you should feel empowered to ask your customers for honest feedback.

Below, we'll discuss some of the many benefits of consumer reviews. 

Reviews Build Social Proof & Trust 

Online reviews are a great way to build social proof for your business. Social proof is the psychological and sociological idea that people will follow the actions and behavior of people around them. Reviews prove that your products, services, or establishment are credible, reliable, & trustworthy. It helps potential customers feel confident in your business and increases the chances of a sale. 

Reviews Are A Proven Way To Increase Sales 

Research shows that businesses with lots of reviews generate 54% more revenue than businesses with low review counts. This is why social proof is so necessary. When potential customers have multiple positive reviews to look over, they gain the confidence to purchase with you without worrying about potential buyer's remorse. 

Reviews Increase Visibility & Boost SEO 

Search engines such as Google hone in on the number of reviews your business has regarding how it will rank in its algorithm. The more reviews you have, the more likely you are to be in the top search results for your industry. They also increase your chances of being one of the first businesses local consumers see. The higher your rank, the more likely potential customers are to convert. Having reviews across multiple platforms (Facebook, Trustpilot, Google) will also give your business a major SEO boost! 

Reviews Highlight Opportunities For Your Business To Improve 

Negative reviews suck, and reading negative feedback about your business can feel like a gut punch! But they also allow you to address issues head-on & create a better experience for potential and existing customers. When you receive a bad review, it's important to address them immediately. By assuring the customer that you are aware of the issue & working to fix it, you increase the chances of winning their business back. It will also show those reading the negative review that you value honest feedback, prioritize the customer experience, and address issues quickly, which builds more trust. 

Reviews Increase Engagement & Strength Customer Loyalty 

Asking for reviews encourages existing customers to engage with your business online. It's a great way to show them they are seen, heard, and valued. This leads to more satisfied & loyal customers. The stronger your relationship becomes with your customer base, the more likely they are to seek out your business again, and they become more likely to recommend your products or services to their friends and family. 

Reviews Are A Great Marketing Tool 

Online reviews are a great way to market your business, and the best part is that they're completely free! By asking your existing customers for reviews, you reduce the energy and effort you invest into other marketing strategies. Because they have no benefit or downside to customers leaving them, consumers trust reviews more than any other marketing avenue. Reviews can also be used on websites, social media, and other promotional materials. 

The Bottom Line 

Customer reviews have become an essential part of doing business, and their power can't be overstated. They reflect customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction and influence the decision-making process for potential customers. By asking customers for honest feedback, you build trust and credibility by showing them you value their opinions and transparency. As a business owner, you can leverage those reviews for the growth & sustainability that's needed to succeed.