Business Reputation Management [Important Findings]

"Harvard Business Review & Forbes Agree: Business Reputation Management is Crucial"

Business reputation management is now the most trusted and effective form of online marketing. Moreover, sites like Yelp and Google My Business directly effects the buying decisions of millions of shoppers on a daily basis. 

Consumers look at online product reviews before making a purchasing decision, and 90 percent say they’re influenced by those reviews. 

Here are quotes from three highly respected business journals:

“These days, a Google review can shape your business far more than a Google Ad.” – Forbes

“61 percent of customers read online reviews before making a purchase decision, according to recent surveys. After all, reviews provide a first stop for any potential customer to understand a product from a consumer point of view, delivering honest and impartial insight from peers.” – Entrepreneur 

“Every marketer is aware of the rise of online reviews and other sources of peer-to-peer information, but many neglect this trend and market products much as they did a decade ago. We believe that many companies need to dramatically shift their marketing strategies to account for the rising power exerted on future customers by the opinions of existing customers.” – Harvard Business Review

Without question, every business owner will tell you that referrals are the backbone of their success. In fact, word-of-mouth, good or bad, can be the difference between prosperity and continual struggle.

In today’s world, word-of-mouth is now represented by online reviews and social sharing. Some experts have referred to the blending of the two as, “Word of Mouse.” 

But did you know that with all this overwhelming information that online reviews are generating some small business hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional annual revenue, some of these businesses are slow to take advantage of these undeniable facts? In fact, Fox Business stated:

“90% of consumers are influenced by positive online reviews – but only half of small business owners believe these reviews are important. Nearly 25% say online reviews are unimportant.” – Fox Business 

There has never been a better time to rise above the rest or compete with “big business." Be nimble and concentrate on the things that truly make a difference in propelling your business forward to experience steady growth. Expanding your reach with positive reviews can give any small business a big competitive advantage.

If you are looking to increase the level of positive reviews for your business, please contact me about my business reputation management solutions.