When was the last time you gave a local business or service a star rating?
Whether you’ve had a great service or an absolutely bad experience, the internet rating you give a company will impact the future of their business. You’d be surprised at what an impact those online star ratings can have on the decision of other consumers to use a business.
In fact, 92 per cent of consumers read online reviews before making a decision to purchase a product or service. Businesses that achieve a four star rating or higher rating are in the most trusted group with 94 per cent of consumers saying they would use a business with rating over four stars. For those businesses with just 1 or 2 stars, consumers speak with their feet and head for the exit with only 14 per cent considering doing business.
Online Solutions Manager, Paul Bewicke of Star Media Platform advises businesses it’s vital that they mange their online reputation by maintaining responses to both positive and negative reviews and taking steps to win customers with great service, not just in the store or job site, but also online.
“Eighty per cent trust reviews as much as personal recommendations,“ Mr Bewicke said.
He advises business operators that it’s not just about positive reviews, but an honest mix of positive and negative. Surprisingly all positive reviews can be an issue too with 30 per cent of consumers assuming online reviews are fake if there are no negative reviews.
“It’s so important to respond quickly online. When a business resolves its issue quickly and efficiently, 95% of unhappy customers return to your business.’’
Mr Bewicke said Media Platform is a comprehensive solution for those businesses struggling to stay on top of their online footprint. He said businesses risk damaging their online reputation if they are not actively engaging with customers, responding to reviews and generating insights through social media.
More and more consumers and businesses are engaging online before they shop and on average, a consumer will look at over 10 information sources before making a purchase.
If you’re a local business you’ll no doubt benefit from a digital health check report. Star Media Platform offers a zero-cost audit of a business’s online presence that will help put them in the right direction to better service customers and achieve the star rating they deserve.
To take advantage of the digital health check just visit starcommunity.com.au/media-platform/ to request this powerful online
scorecard for your business or give Paul Bewicke a call at 03 5945 0653 to get an idea of the services available on the platform.
