What Makes Reviews Trustworthy?
As a small business owner, you know that online reviews can make or break your business. Potential customers often turn to reviews to make decisions about where to spend their money. But what makes reviews trustworthy? According to a recent survey conducted by Thrive Directories, here are a few key takeaways for small business owners to keep in mind:
General Reviews Behavior
77% of respondents read more online reviews now than they have in the past.
Respondents read a median of five reviews about a given business before transacting.
Categories
Respondents do the most research when it comes to dining, home services, and autos.
Restaurants lead in reviews importance/frequency (67%), followed by household repairs/work (57%), car repair/services (55%), medical needs (51%), and professional services (42%).
Trust
- 28% of respondents actively look out for incentivized/compensated reviews.
- 71% say they would no longer visit a business if they learned the business has fake or compensated online reviews.
When respondents think they’ve spotted a fake online review, they will…
- Read other reviews to gather additional opinions (49%)
- Ignore the potentially fake review (34%)
- Find another business (27%)
- Report the review (24%)
- 85% of respondents trust reviews with written text over only a star rating
So, what does this mean for your small business? Customers are reading more reviews than ever before, and they want to see authenticity in those reviews. They’re wary of deception and are likely to investigate a business further if they see anything suspicious.
As a small business owner, it’s important to encourage your satisfied customers to leave written reviews about their experiences with your business. This will not only help build trust with potential customers, but it will also provide valuable feedback for you to improve your business.
Remember, quality reviews are more important than quantity, and customers are more likely to trust reviews that include a narrative about their experience. By focusing on authenticity and quality, you can build a strong online reputation for your small business that will attract loyal customers for years to come.
If you need help with your Online Reputation or Reviews, Thrive Directories is here to help. Contact Us Today: info@thrivedirectories.com. We look forward to helping you succeed!
