Online Reviews - What you should do to help promote your website and business
Online reviews site have been around for a while now and changed the way consumers make decisions as the feedback is available for anyone to read on the web and is considered ‘real’ as it is coming from a third party (not on company website).
It is important for any business that provides service to register with a relevant review site and encourage customers to post reviews.
It is also essential as a business owner that you address the reviews – especially negative ones and offer a solution / apology. This will help with your overall reputation and will also help with your SEO as these sites often rank #1 (for example on a search for your hotel, a Trip Advisor listing might come before your site).
There are many websites that offer reviews – I have listed some of them and how they can be integrated with your site. Remember, reviews might be also posted on your Facebook Page (if you allow for it), Google Places listing or some online directories. Make sure you search for your business and know where your customers are reviewing your business.
Here are some examples:
WOMO (word of mouth online) -http://www.womo.com.au/
Womo is a user-generated directory where people share the experiences they have with businesses. Customers get to rate your service on WOMO (on your profile) and you can promote these reviews on your site.
See example for The Footcare Clinic – not only showing reviews on home page but their service award badge.www.thefootcareclinic.com.au
YELP (www.yelp.com.au)
An online ‘urban’ guide. People use Yelp to search for everything from the city's tastiest burger to the most renowned cardiologist. What will you uncover in your neighbourhood?
You can set up a page on Yelp with photos, information & link to website. Once you do, customers will post reviews on Yelp. See how my page is set up:http://www.yelp.com.au/biz/webby-web-design-mordialloc
Google + Business:
Google offer free business listings on their Google + Business website (http://www.google.com/intl/en-GB_au/+/business/)
Your listing will usually appear on the right of your website in Google search results and will display general information, a map, images (if you add them) and reviews.
Trip Advisor (www.tripadvisor.com)
A website for reviews and advice for the travel industry - hotels, resorts, flights, holiday rentals, holiday packages ect.
If you are in this industry, chances are you are being revied on this website and potential clients are making decisions based on the information there. It is very important that you list your business with them (http://www.tripadvisor.com/TripAdvisorInsights/n680/get-your-business-tripadvisor) and respond to reviews, link to trip advisor from your website
You can display badges on your website, embed a review feed and much more once you set up a listing.
Urbanspoon (www.urbanspoon.com.au)
Urbanspoon is a leading online local bar and restaurant guide that aggregates reviews from professional food critics, bloggers, and diners.
As with trip advisor, if you fall in thiscategory, changches are you are already reviewd on Urban Spoon so best to set up your listing properly. (click on ‘is this your restaurant’ on the right on your review page)
