Originally posted on July 12, 2016; Updated on Aug 26, 2022
You put your all into your business and do your best daily to do everything you can to grow your business and make your customers happy. Your website's rocking, social media is busy, and everything is perfect. Then it happens: a negative review. You’re crushed. Maybe even angry. Your first thought is to try and get the bad review removed, or to respond, defending yourself. You should really hold your horses before doing anything drastic! Handling negative reviews the right way can provide huge benefit to your digital marketing efforts! Get in touch with Smart WSI Marketing to learn more about our review management services.
Statistics show that 95% of customers read online reviews and that the star rating is the number one piece of information people rely on to judge your business. In fact, only 9% of potential customers will consider your business if it only has one or two stars. With that information in hand, you might think we've lost our minds when we tell you that negative reviews can benefit your digital marketing efforts for your Alberta business, but trust us, we really haven't!
Back away from the computer and take a deep breath then re-read the negative review so you can see what problem needs to be addressed. Craft your response so it solves the problem in a polite and friendly manner. Yes, we know it's hard, but think of it as killing them with kindness. When people see that your business is being run by a real person that cares about their customers' experience, amazing things can happen. You already know that building trust in your brand is paramount to your digital marketing success, and this is a sure way to do just that.
Often, handling a negative review well can result in the reviewer changing their rating. If you handle the problem privately, be sure to post that you did reach out and help the customer, so readers see that you did respond.
While negative reviews can be turned into positive experiences, positive reviews are your main goal. To encourage these, use widgets or call-to-actions to encourage people to leave a review of your business. Never use bribes or create fake reviews; they will come across as unnatural which will have a detrimental effect on people reading them. Most of all, provide your customers with such a great experience that they want to tell the world!
We’ve given you all these tips and information, now what? It’s time to get your digital marketing going with some reviews about your business! Call Smart WSI Marketing today so that we can get busy building you digital marketing strategy that uses the power of reviews to your advantage!
Lynne is known for her strategic approach to marketing communications, technologies, and lead generation. She has a passion for education, keeping up with current marketing trends and practices, and helping clients keep ahead of their competition.
Backlinks & Reviews: Things You Should Absolutely NEVER Purchase
When you ask a local search engine optimization company for surefire ways to improve your rankings, they will almost always tell you one of two things: get more backlinks and get more reviews. Read More…
What is Digital Marketing Anyway?
In today's fast-paced, digitally driven world, businesses are increasingly turning to digital marketing as a powerful tool to connect with their target audience, build brand awareness, and drive business growth. But what exactly is digital marketing? Read More…
Why Your Website and Marketing Assets Are Crucial When Selling Your Business
So, you're thinking about selling your business? That's a big move, and we're sure you've got a lot on your plate right now. Before you dive into the nitty-gritty of valuations and negotiations, let's talk about something that's often overlooked but incredibly important: your website and marketing assets. Read More…
Your Google Business Profile: What You Can Control vs. What Google Manages
If you're looking to optimize your online presence, you've likely come across the importance of your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business and even earlier Google+/Google Places). Read More…
Whether you're working with a local small business digital marketing agency or managing things in-house, you should know that two key elements can make or break your online success: User Experience (UX) and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). Read More…
You’re a busy business owner. You've got your website up, your social media buzzing, and your products or services are top-notch. But how do you know if your digital marketing efforts are actually paying off? Enter the world of digital marketing analytics for small businesses Read More…
An Owners Guide to Leveraging AI to DIY Your Digital Marketing Strategy for Local Small Businesses
The use of AI in digital marketing is definitely on the rise, and it’s a trend that you’ll need to get on to keep up with your competitors. Below is a list of AI tools that we have researched and tested, and how they can fit into your digital marketing strategy. Read More…
Having a well-defined and tailored digital marketing strategy is essential for the success of any small business. With the right approach, you can effectively reach your target audience, drive traffic to your website, and ultimately increase your conversions and sales. Read More…
These days small businesses rely heavily on effective marketing strategies to thrive in a competitive marketplace. To make informed decisions, it's crucial for these businesses to understand what is working and what's not when it comes to their marketing efforts. Read More…
