online reviews

Online Reviews for Local Businesses

By Peter StuartPosted on March 6, 2024Posted in Local SEO BasicsTagged Customer testimonials, Local business feedback, online reviews, Reputation management, Review platforms

Online Reviews for Local Businesses Did you know that 76% of consumers regularly read online reviews when browsing for local businesses? That’s right – the majority of people are relying on the opinions and experiences of others to make decisions about where to spend their money. In today’s digital age, customer feedback has become a powerful tool that can make or break a business’s reputation. Key Takeaways: Online reviews play a crucial role in shaping the reputation of local businesses. The top industries where consumers find business reviews most important are healthcare, automotive services, and service businesses/tradespeople. Google is the most trusted review platform overall, but consumers are also using YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to find information about local businesses. More than 95% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase, and positive reviews can increase customer spending by 31%. Businesses should actively ask customers to leave reviews and respond to both positive and negative feedback to build trust and improve their online visibility. How Consumers Use Business Reviews Consumers today heavily rely on online research and reviews to make informed decisions about local businesses. The behavior of customers showcases the growing significance of online reviews in shaping their purchasing choices. According to recent studies, a staggering 98% of consumers use the internet to find information about local businesses. In fact, 21% of consumers perform online research on a daily basis. While the frequency of online research has slightly decreased this year, the overall trend remains stable, emphasising the consistent reliance on digital platforms. When it comes to reading online reviews, 76% of consumers consistently or regularly seek them out for local businesses. This highlights the significant impact that reviews have on the decision-making process. “Reading online reviews has become an essential step in evaluating the reputation and credibility of a business. Consumers want to ensure they are making the right choice, and reviews provide valuable insights from others who have had firsthand experiences.” While there are various platforms available for consumers to read business reviews, Google dominates the landscape as the most popular review platform. An overwhelming majority of 87% of consumers turn to Google when researching local businesses. Other platforms like Yelp and Facebook have witnessed a decline in recent years. However, certain industries still place trust in platforms such as TripAdvisor and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), known for their credibility within specific sectors. Review Platform Percentage of Consumers Using It Google 87% Yelp 42% Facebook 36% TripAdvisor 30% Better Business Bureau (BBB) 24% The use of high-quality review platforms not only aids consumers in making well-informed decisions but also allows businesses to showcase their reputation and gain credibility. Businesses should prioritise managing their online reviews across various platforms to appeal to a broad customer base. The Impact of Online Reviews on Consumer Behavior Online reviews have a significant influence on consumer behavior. When making purchasing decisions, 95% of consumers read online reviews, and 89% make an effort to read reviews before buying products online. The power of reviews shouldnt be overlooked, as they have the potential to sway consumers towards or away from a particular business. Positive reviews play a crucial role in boosting customer confidence and encouraging them to make a purchase. In fact, studies show that positive reviews can increase customer spending by a staggering 31%. On the other hand, negative reviews can have a detrimental impact on businesses, with 40% of potential customers being deterred by negative feedback. Trust is a key factor in consumers’ reliance on online reviews. A whopping 74% of consumers state that reviews contribute to their trust in a company, emphasising the importance of building a positive online reputation. To gain consumer trust, reviews must provide recent and relevant information, as consumers are more likely to trust reviews that reflect the current status of a business. Also, businesses shouldn’t ignore the importance of engaging and responding to reviews. Responding to reviews can be a game-changer, as it has the potential to change the perspective of 56% of customers. When businesses take the time to address and acknowledge customer feedback, it demonstrates their commitment to customer satisfaction, which can prompt customers to support and continue doing business with them. Engaging with reviews can be a powerful tool for businesses to shape their reputation and attract loyal customers. By actively responding to both positive and negative feedback, businesses can demonstrate their dedication to customer service and build trust with their target audience. Online reviews have a profound impact on consumer behavior, influencing purchasing decisions and shaping the reputation of businesses. It is crucial for businesses to proactively manage and engage with online reviews to build trust, attract customers, and stay ahead in today’s competitive market. The Power of Reviews: Statistics Impact 95% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase Online reviews are a crucial factor in purchasing decisions 89% of consumers read reviews before buying products online Reviews influence online shopping decisions Positive reviews increase customer spending by 31% A positive online reputation can lead to increased sales Negative reviews can deter 40% of potential customers Businesses must address negative feedback to avoid losing customers 74% of consumers say that reviews increase their trust in a company Trustworthy reviews are essential for building customer confidence 56% of customers can change their perspective after a business responds to their review Engaging with reviews can positively impact customer perception Conclusion Online reviews are key to the success of local businesses. As statistics show, the majority of consumers rely on reviews when making purchasing decisions. Before buying a product or service, they want to hear about the experiences of others. Acquiring positive reviews is essential as it not only boosts a business’s reputation but also increases customer spending. By actively asking customers to leave reviews and responding to feedback, businesses can build trust and loyalty among their clientele. From an SEO perspective, online reviews have a significant impact on a business’s visibility. They contribute to local search rankings, making it

Navigating Local Search Ranking Factors

By Peter StuartPosted on January 3, 2024Posted in Local SEO BasicsTagged backlinks, content strategy, Google My Business, local citations, local SEO, mobile friendliness, On-Page SEO, online reviews, search ranking

Let’s talk about local search rankings. We’ll go through the important stuff that can affect how people find you online. It’s like a little adventure with twists and turns, so lets make sure you’re ready for it. Ready to get started? Table of Content Setting Sail on the Local Odyssey The Guiding Beacon of Google My Business Navigating Through Content Waters The Enigmatic Universe of Backlinks Navigating the Turbulent Waters of Online Reviews The Challenging Landscape of On-Page SEO Local Citations; Guiding Markers Mobile Friendliness; Riding with the Wind Securing Your Success in Local SEO Plotting Your Path to Victory Setting Sail on the Local Odyssey Imagine this; You are a captain navigating the ocean of the internet with your business as your ship.. Hold on tight because there’s a storm brewing on the horizon and competition in local search results is getting fierce. A little while back I stumbled upon this eye-opening study by Chitika Insights. Check this; a whopping 91.5% of the Google traffic hangs out on the first page. Yes, you heard it right! Now, get this, only a measly 4.8% bother to take the journey to the second page of the search results. Think about it. It’s like a digital VIP boat party on that first page, and the rest of the pages are just trying to get aboard. Crazy, huh? So, if you’re not showing up fashionably on that first page, you’re practically invisible to the majority. So, we know it’s time to amp up your SEO game but how do you plot a course to ensure that your ship not only survives but thrives? 🛳️ This is where local search ranking factors come into play. The Guiding Beacon of Google My Business Our first ray of hope comes from Google My Business (GMB). It’s more than a listing; it serves as your business storefront, a vibrant sign illuminating the digital landscape. Claim it verify it and witness its brilliance! Fill it with information sprinkle some keywords and add captivating photos. Imagine GMB as a lighthouse guiding customers safely towards your shore. Ahoy, before we sail on! Let me drop some knowledge bombs on ya, a whopping 82% of savvy consumers are out there scrollin’ through online reviews, trying to separate the gems from the duds when it comes to local businesses. And get this, a staggering 87% of these landlubbers are turning to the almighty Google to decide which business to choose in 2022. It’s like the modern-day compass, guiding ’em through the treacherous seas of choices. 🚢 But that’s not all – 86% of these fine folks are relying on Google Maps to sniff out a business nearby, like pirates huntin’ for buried treasure. So, if ye be a business settin’ sail in these digital waters, make sure yer reviews shine, yer Google game’s strong, and we’re charted on that Maps treasure map. Arrr, the sea of success awaits! Navigating Through Content Waters In the vast sea of digital marketing, connecting through customer language and crafting captivating stories is like hoisting the anchor of engagement. It’s about adding a special flavor to your content that acts like a magnet, pulling in the crowd. Now, here’s the treasure map to success, did you know that 25% of your website traffic sets sail from local searches? That’s right, matey! When crafting content, localise it. Use local keywords and tailor your tales to resonate with local interests. Navigate wisely, and may the winds of local search fortune be ever in your favor! The Enigmatic Universe of Backlinks Backlinks play a crucial role in establishing the credibility and authority of your website. Imagine them as valuable treasures in the vast realm of the internet. It’s essential to be discerning in acquiring these gems, seeking them from reputable sources, and building alliances within your industry. Each backlink acts as a powerful endorsement. These endorsements, when strategically collected, work in harmony to elevate your website, propelling it to greater heights in search rankings and establishing it as a trusted and influential entity in your field. Navigating the Turbulent Waters of Online Reviews As we continue our journey we encounter the stormy seas of reviews. Every review acts as a gust of wind that can either push you forward or steer you off course. With 76% of users regularly reading online reviews when searching for a local business you should be responding to them whether positive or negative, with the composure of a captain.🚤Transforming a review into an opportunity to demonstrate your dedication to customer satisfaction. The Challenging Landscape of On-Page SEO Now let us explore the terrain known as on-page SEO. It is like your ship’s hull. Adjust your sails by optimising titles, descriptions, and headers. Safeguard your cargo by utilising keywords that resonate with the dialect spoken by your audience. An optimised ship smoothly sails through the waters of search engine algorithms. Local Citations; Guiding Markers Take a look, at the guiding markers known as citations! They serve as milestones that assure search engines of your presence. Having business information across directories is like having trail markers helping search crawlers navigate through the forest of the internet. Mobile Friendliness; Riding with the Wind As we approach our destination we harness the power of friendliness. Your ship must navigate smoothly through the waves of devices. In fact, 58% of people search for local businesses on their smartphone every day. Be sure to have a responsive design so that your content appears great regardless of screen size. Ignoring this aspect may lead your ship to sink into missed opportunities. Securing Your Success in Local SEO – Monitor the Waters Our journey concludes with securing our success in SEO. Regular assessments, adjustments, and keeping up with trends ensure that you never find yourself stranded. Remember, the online landscape is constantly changing and only those who can adapt will thrive. Setting Sail on the Local Odyssey: Understand the importance of local search ranking factors. Navigate through the competitive landscape of local search