The Importance of User Reviews For Local SEO
Just as the virtual landscape keeps on getting popular amongst users, the importance of user reviews also increases at a rapid pace. If the present trends on the virtual platform are anything to go by, then you will find that online reviews are of paramount significance now.
Just as the virtual landscape keeps on getting popular amongst users, the importance of user reviews also increases at a rapid pace. If the present trends on the virtual platform are anything to go by, then you will find that online reviews are of paramount significance now.
Apart from global businesses, user reviews are also crucial for local business ventures. Especially with the impact of reviews on local search results, online businesses are considering them with grave seriousness.
The situation will understood with the help of the following instance. Whether you place a search for revered travel destinations or a good restaurant, majority of the search results will feature from review sites such as Time Out, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Zagat, and so on.
And that clearly explains the importance of user reviews for local SEO. So, what is it that makes user reviews so important? Let us find out.
Why Reviews Prove to be Effective?
Reviews promote and popularize the power of social proof. That will prove to be a confirmation or reassurance for users. They will know whether they are taking the right step or not. Let’s turn to stats for a better understanding of this aspect.
According to reliable market reports, almost 88% of web visitors follow reviews before making their choices. Therefore, businesses or organizations with a 4-out-of 5-star rating will inevitably attract them.
Why is it so? Did you ever give it a thought?
Reliance on assurance: Purchasers seem to be quite reliant on assurance and ratings. Companies or services with huge ratings will undoubtedly prove to be safe choices.
Mitigating risks: Online reviews are somewhat like proper guidelines on the virtual platform. Following them will help you arrive at safe choices.
Significant review sources
With that brief overview of user reviews, we arrive at discussing some of the most popular online review sources.
- Google reviews: Featuring in the Google My Business listing happens to be an absolute necessity for local businesses. If you dream of enhancing your local search visibility, then there is nothing better than this. With almost 38% consumers choosing to visit businesses with Google My Business listing, it no longer remains a choice but a necessity for business owners.
- Other sources: When it comes to associating your business with review sites, you must look beyond Google. Several other review sources also play a crucial role in this context.
Tips for attracting reviews
The entire discussion brings us to a critical question. How can business owners attract reviews? In case you have the same question, here are the answers.
Your business will only attract positive reviews if it truly cares for its target consumers. Channelize your efforts in ensuring a great customer experience, and that will prove to be the key towards attracting positive reviews.
- Using social platforms and channels
If your business has a social media account, you can ask for tweets or reviews. Don’t miss such opportunities, and steer clear of overdoing it.
Concluding thoughts
Going by the online purchase trends, it will be tough to find buyers not following reviews. Therefore, user reviews are and will continue to be important for your site.