Have you ever had a phenomenal experience and wanted to let others know? That is exactly what third party review platforms are for; to tell others how your experience went. Whether it was a fantastic dinner or quick oil change, there are review sites where you can go online and submit reviews. These platforms not only help businesses learn what they should improve, but also appear in online search when a business name is looked up and can be a reason why a customer chooses that business.
When looking up a type of service needed, many people will go to the Internet first and type in exactly what they are looking for. Many times businesses will come up in online search along with any reviews that are on third party sites where recent consumers have submitted reviews of products or services.
Review platforms that appear in online searches can help a consumer choose a business, so it is important to ensure that your business or service has quality reviews on these sites. If a consumer sees a bad review or no reviews for a certain business, it is likely that they will avoid that business and continue to look for another one with good reviews. However, what is great about third party review platforms is if a business receives a bad review, they can address the review on the site and resolve the problem, which can ideally benefit the business as well.
Yelp, BBB, and Google+ Local
Among the top review platforms that people check are Yelp, BBB, and Google+ Local.
Yelp allows consumers to recommend and talk about experiences they’ve had at different establishments. If you went to get an oil change for your car and it took over two hours, you can post this on the Yelp account to alert other consumers, as well as the business owner. Yelp allows business owners and other consumers to comment on each of the reviews received. This can help business improve if they’re taking the reviews into consideration and making changes at the business based on what their consumers are saying.
BBB (Better Business Bureau) is an affiliation that allows consumers to review the type of experience that have received at different businesses. What makes the BBB different from any other third party review platforms is that a business is accredited by the BBB. The BBB has determined that the specific business meets their standards, which includes a commitment to resolve any customer complaints they receive. This demonstrates that the business is willing to assist the consumer with any problems they encounter while working with the business and provides consumers with a sense of comfort when choosing their business.
Google+ Local allows consumers to discover new places as well as share places they have visited by allowing them to post reviews to the business’s account. Just like the other two platforms Google+ Local, also allows for business owners to comment on reviews posted to help ensure consumers are getting the type of service they were promised. Google+ Local, however, attaches the customers Google account, as well as their name, to their review, making it more personal than other platforms.
Reviews are vital when it comes to online search because it can persuade a consumer to choose your business – or a different business. They can also ensure that your business is running properly and can tell you what you should change within it to keep consumers satisfied. Before you go to a new restaurant or try out a new car dealership, check out some of their reviews on third party platforms to guarantee your experience will be excellent, and be sure to share your experience to help customers make better choices, too!
About the Author
PCG Digital Marketing is an award winning digital agency headquartered in Eatontown, NJ. We help our clients get found online through innovative search, social and online advertising campaigns.