If you own a business, chances are you have some sort of online presence. Whether that’s simply a google listing and basic website, or a profile on every social media platform available, you know that being found online is integral to being found by 97% of potential customers. 

However, being found isn’t the only important thing when it comes to an online presence: more and more these days, customers are looking at your reputation as well. They want to see what other people say and think about you before deciding to use your products or services. 

Numbers Matter

Many small businesses don’t have very many reviews to begin with. This may not seem like a big deal, even if the majority of them are positive (making an overall higher score), but customers aren’t just looking at the star rating, but also how many reviews contribute to that score. Beyond that, the Google search algorithm is also looking at your reviews! 

Almost 10% of Google’s algorithm originates in part from Google Reviews. This means that more reviews can actually help you be found better on Google! And if you’re being found, it certainly helps if those reviews look good. 

Good Reviews

Making sure you have a good online reputation can be somewhat of a daunting task. You can’t control what other people think or write about you on Google, Facebook, or other review platforms. Luckily, there are ways to make sure you get the most positive reviews possible, and respond to negative ones in a way that encourages future prospects to give you a chance anyway! 

Studies show that over 90% of customers turn to review sites such as Yelp, Google, Facebook, and TripAdvisor before making a purchase or choosing a service. Almost everyone turns to online listings before visiting a business, even if they’re just to look up directions on how to get there. Since star ratings are visible on map services such as Google and Apple, a low rating may deter a potential customer from visiting you, even if they weren’t originally looking you up to check out your reviews! 

Bad Reviews

You can’t please everyone, and everyone has their own opinion. Unfortunately, negative reviewers tend to be more vocal about their concerns. As a business owner, sometimes it feels like the best thing you can do is try your best and hope that customers will see that. 

When left on their own, though, reviews tend to be sparse and more negative than positive. But don’t despair! There are plenty of ways to bolster your online reputation with positive reviews from your existing customers!

What To Do About It

Generating more reviews and responding to reviews, especially negative ones, are the best ways to stay on top of your online reputation. While you can’t control every review that comes your way, you can control how you respond to it. 

Iowa Digital has systems in place to encourage your customers to leave reviews, but also to give them an opportunity to give you their feedback on a non-public forum. We can also respond to reviews for you, good and bad, so you don’t have to get worked up about them in any way! 

Bolster your online reviews and cultivate an online presence you can be proud of with reputation management solutions from Iowa Digital!