Reviews Are Your Digital Word-of-Mouth
In the age of Google, online reviews have become the new word-of-mouth marketing. According to BrightLocal's 2024 research, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, and companies with 50+ recent reviews see 54% higher conversion rates on search listings.
For local businesses in Topeka, your online reputation can make or break your success.
Why Reviews Matter More Than Ever
1. They Influence Purchase Decisions
Before visiting your store or hiring your services, most customers will Google you first. What they find determines whether they contact you or move on to a competitor.
- 94% of consumers say positive reviews make them more likely to use a business
- 79% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
- Businesses with 4+ star ratings capture 94% more clicks than those with lower ratings
2. They Boost Local SEO
Google uses reviews as a ranking factor for local search results. More reviews (especially positive ones) signal to Google that your business is:
- Active and legitimate
- Trusted by customers
- Relevant to local searches
3. They Provide Social Proof
When potential customers see others praising your business, it reduces their perceived risk of choosing you.
How to Get More Reviews
Make It Easy
The #1 reason customers don't leave reviews? They forget, or it's too complicated.
Solutions:
- Send a follow-up email with a direct link to your Google review page
- Include QR codes on receipts or business cards
- Add a "Review Us" button on your website
Ask at the Right Time
Timing matters. The best moments to ask for reviews:
- Right after a successful service completion
- When a customer expresses satisfaction
- Following a resolved support issue
- After repeat purchases
Train Your Team
Your employees interact with customers daily. Train them to:
- Recognize satisfied customers
- Ask naturally: "If you're happy with our service, would you mind sharing your experience on Google?"
- Thank customers for their feedback
Respond to Every Review
Positive reviews: Thank the customer personally. Mention specifics from their review to show you read it.
Negative reviews: Respond professionally. Acknowledge their concern, apologize, and offer to make it right offline.
What NOT to Do
Don't Buy Fake Reviews
- Google detects and removes fake reviews
- You could get your business listing suspended
- Customers can spot fakes—and they'll lose trust
Don't Offer Incentives for Reviews
- Violates Google's terms of service
- Can result in penalties
- Undermines review authenticity
Don't Ignore Negative Reviews
- Unanswered complaints look worse than the complaint itself
- It's an opportunity to demonstrate excellent customer service
- Often, a thoughtful response can turn a critic into a fan
Review Platforms That Matter
For most local businesses, focus on:
- Google Business Profile - Most important for local SEO
- Facebook - Wide reach, trusted platform
- Yelp - Important for restaurants and service businesses
- Industry-specific sites - HomeAdvisor, Angi, etc.
The Long Game
Building a strong review profile takes time. Aim for:
- Consistency: A few reviews per month beats 50 all at once
- Recency: Google values recent reviews more highly
- Quality: Detailed reviews with keywords help more than generic "Great service!"
Getting Started
Start by claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile if you haven't already. Then implement a simple review request process—even asking just 2-3 satisfied customers per week can transform your online reputation within months.
Need help building your online reputation? Contact us to learn about our review generation strategies.