A lot of us can say it really doesn’t matter what others think of you; you just need to do what you feel is important to you.

It may be a common thread we’ve been telling ourselves for a long time and has certainly made me feel comfortable about never caring what others think. For the most part, I’ve always thought this has been a strength of mine until now.

let’s look at how reviews matter.

referrals

It most certainly matters what others think of your business, your products, your service and who you are. It’s what adds to your stock price, your bottom line and your referrals.

Most businesses believe in the old adage that referrals are the most important marketing effort of growing their business. And it is…to a certain extent.  

Have you ever thought about how your referrals need reviews but who are also reviewing who those reviews are coming from? They want to know exactly who is creating the review before they call you. In recent studies, 82% of consumers read your reviews. Do you think they’ll stop at that?

Relationships were very important when growing a business but so are the channels with where your referrals are coming from. As the internet, phone and tablet apps, TV shows, (video) along with the platforms with how people interact with each other, it shouldn’t be underestimated how diverse reviews can be.

Let’s say your product is for middle-age people. The person raving about it is on Yelp. Whether your referral reads the review on Yelp or not, because they don’t like Yelp, they won’t take that person’s word for it.

Human interaction isn’t what it used to be. The person looking at the review is not just reading how great your product is, they’re looking at who is making that review too.

Do you still hold on to the belief that human interaction: (aka your relationships), are still the most important aspect of new business? 

With the ability for businesses to grow from a local level to a global level, (because of the internet), it’s never been more important to reevaluate your referral business.

What your reviews say about you can either make or break your business if not managed right. In 2019, 90% of consumers used the internet to find you; that could be whether it’s a social media platform, a streaming service, communication between friends, or anything that uses the internet. That could either be a cold lead coming to you or a warm referral.

New business is looking-you-up online regardless of how they heard about you. According to a local consumer survey (and every other survey you can find on the internet relating to this issue), consumers are on the internet. 

Have you ever thought of removing or deleting your website? Of course not.

Let’s look at how reviews can impact you.

as an Employer

Well this is pretty simple for employees as well as employers isn’t it? With places like Glassdoor, Indeed and several other sites: before a relationship is made between employee and employer, there are reviews on the company.

If you’re not making a great impression, you’re either not going to get hired or last there too long for the employee or the ability to hire talent will be difficult.

It matters what others think of the company. 

Your Followers

Now a lot of people would think being liked is relative to how many followers you have but is it important if people like you or not on social media? No, it’s not. 

• If you’re trying to promote your business then yes.

• If people don’t like you or your business, your brand will only go so far.

• If you have a great product, then your reputation doesn’t matter. 

where reviews matter.

Most businesses think there are only 1 - 3 websites to be concerned with for reviews. Well, what about that other website you don't think about that has a negative (or maybe just a few negative) reviews on your company? What if your referral is turned away because of it?

New business may not looking at Yelp because they don’t like it or don’t use it, remember? There are over 50 websites I know offhand that post reviews. Depending on your industry, they can be very specific. Have you seen doctor reviews on your insurance referral website?

7 questions to ask regarding reviews:

1. What if one referral could post multiple referrals? What if this happens a couple of times?

2. What if a rotten review was written on the person who picked up the phone and not just because of your products or service?

3. Could anyone post a review on a site than Google or Yelp? (My husband uses Google and I use Yelp. I knew co-people who use Instagram as their only review tool.)

4. Are you aware of what others are saying about your company on all websites?

5. How much percentage does your company want to grow by next year? 

6. What if you were able to manage your reviews?

7. Could reviews make a big difference with the growth of your company?

I walk businesses through this process all the time. It’s a tough process but one that can make or break your business.

How are you connecting with your customers?