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Online reviews are more important than ever before. Almost all shoppers (99.9%) read reviews before they buy something online. Most shoppers (96%) even look for negative reviews specifically when shopping online. This means that your online reputation can have a big impact on your business.

Why are online reviews so important for your business?

They’re important because they influence consumers’ decisions on where to shop. Positive reviews can make customers more likely to shop at a business, while negative reviews can scare them away. Consumers trust reviews, according to a study by BrightLocal showed 49% of consumers trust reviews as much as personal recommendations from friends and family. And the more reviews you have, the better. Sixty percent of consumers believe that the number of reviews a business has is important when making a decision.

How can you get more reviews?

The easiest way is to simply ask your customers for them. You can do this in person, over the phone, or by email. You can also make it easy for customers to leave reviews by including a link to your Google reviews profile on your website and in your email signature. Or, you can use a review generation service to send automatic requests for reviews to your customers. Some businesses offer incentives, such as discounts or free products, to customers who leave reviews. However, keep in mind that Google does not allow businesses to offer incentives for positive reviews.

When you get a good review, be sure to thank the customer. This shows that you value their business and want them to have a good experience. When you get a bad review, don’t get defensive. Instead, apologize for the customer’s experience and let them know that you’re working to fix the problem. It’s important to check your reviews often so that you can identify any problems early on. You can use a reputation management tool to help you track your reviews and respond to them quickly.

Online reviews are essential for businesses of all sizes. By following the tips above, you can get more reviews and manage your reputation effectively.