As the World Enters a more Digitally Connected Era, Businesses need to Understand that Sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, the Google Site More

Comments and online websites are not a new trend, but business owners are not fully convinced that they should take the time to worry about them. As the world enters a more digitally connected era, businesses need to understand that sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, the Google Site More and even Facebook is the new word of mouth - and they are not going away anytime soon. Here are three reasons - and statistical - to show you how the analysis sites are today and what you need to do to make sure that they are not hurting their profits:

1. Customers do not trust what you say about yourself

Many small business owners collect customer feedback and re-publish on their websites. Although this was a great tactic in previous years to social networks, today this strategy is low. According to the study by Michael Hulme, "Your Brand: at risk or ready to grow", only 8% of clients trust us that companies say about themselves, and only 7% of US customers' trust in published reviews the "business website.

How to overcome: do not use systems that automatically post their comments on your pages. Besides cluttering pages and annoy your customers, the lack of interaction will prevent you to reach more people. Also, instead of just posting good comments you get, add a plug-in to your site and show all the comments you get.
 
2. Customers rely more on online reviews than any other source

Yes it is true. Online comments and recommendations are more valuable than you think. Another interesting statistic Hulme found in their study that 84% of North American customers consulted family, friends and online reviews when searching for a product or service. In addition, 76% of consumers reported considering online reviews to determine which local businesses to use.

Another study, conducted by BrightLocal found that 7 out of 10 customers said they trust online reviews as they are based on personal recommendations, and 85% of them said they were more likely to buy products or services where they can find recommendations online.

So if you think your customers are online or not to use online reviews, you are wrong. The same study found that 85% of consumers are searching for local businesses online.

How to overcome: Claim your ad in all review sites, and make sure your information is correct. About 60% of small businesses are losing a phone number on your home page, and 75% do not have a specified email address. Your online reputation can hurt your sales

Many small business owners say they do not care about reviews online because they know they have a quality product / service. The way people communicate has changed, and how clients connect with companies has also changed. As already mentioned above, customers are looking online before choosing where to go and what to buy, and what they see online may change their decisions.

In fact, another study, this time conducted by Cone Inc., indicated that 80% of consumers have changed their minds on purchases based on negative information they found online, and 87% say positive reviews strengthen their purchasing decisions. The bad review led to a 13% drop in sales.

In other words, your online reputation can make or break your sales.

How to overcome: Claim your ad in all review sites and make sure you post answers to all evaluations. Yelp study indicated that 80% of people believed that there would be a positive impact for companies that take more time to understand their needs and interests. In other words, even if you have a bad review, posting a reply goes to show that you care about your customers, and it will help other customers to see as a reliable company.

Communications have changed the way customers relate to companies. Unaware that the comments online has become an important source for consumers will hurt your sales. Enjoy it and make it an opportunity to enjoy their loyal customers and to win back what you lost. To respond to all comments and show you care - recognizing opinion of your customers is the best way to maintain a good reputation online and get more sales out of it.