Why Ratings and Reviews are Important for Your Business | Vicinus
Today, when people shop on the web, they don’t make a purchase decision without looking at a business’ online ratings and reviews. Fewer customers now trust advertising, with 3 in 4 saying they avoid it altogether! Most shoppers rely on online reviews to get an unbiased picture of products and services.
Of course, you should be taking your ratings seriously. Here’s why they are a vital pillar of your business’ success.
Customers Make their Purchase Decisions Based on Ratings
A prospective customer needs to know if they can rely on your business. And what better way to gain this insight than hear it from fellow customers themselves!
No wonder then, that 95% of shoppers check reviews before making a purchase.
The more online ratings you have, the more trustworthy your brand’s image becomes.
What’s more, reviews have a direct impact on your bottom line. Countless studies show that online ratings drive sales up, with even small improvements making an impact.
Ratings are Important for Credibility and Long-lasting Relationships
Customers look for markers of a brand’s credibility before making a purchase. Gaining buyer’s trust is crucial for establishing a credible image, and that’s where reviews come into play.
Good consumer feedback is important for prospects to be able to place their trust in your business. It can be the difference between customers engaging with your brand and ignoring it.
You Can Only Fix Problems with Feedback
In Dalai Lama’s wise words, “When you listen, you learn something new.” Only when customers give you their feedback, either positive or negative, can you identify problems and fix them. Moreover, you must get feedback to conduct periodic review management to not just acquire new customers but also retain existing ones. 
Google Reviews Bolster Your Online Presence
Business owners are fast realizing the importance of Google reviews in giving customers a glimpse of business ratings. The more feedback you have, the better your brand’s customer engagement. This will also help you get the top spot in search rankings when prospects search for the relevant product or service.
It’s also advisable to get a Google My Business account to improve your discoverability on the search engine. This is a free tool that makes it ideal for businesses of any size. This also helps you improve local SEO so you show up on Page 1 when prospects search for your business.
Remember, reviews are the assurance a potential customer looks for before they commit with their wallet. When they see a great deal of online feedback about your business, good or bad, they’re inclined to engage with your brand. Of course, you’re still going to focus on good old marketing and advertising, but it’s equally imperative to have people talk about your business.
Start encouraging your buyers to have positive conversations around your brand, and provide ratings to show for it!