It has been all about small business this month at Hugo Halliday with the launch of our Fresh February campaign. A lot of small businesses are getting lost in the clutter of franchises and corporates that monopolise the market. We’re working with small business owners to change that, but there’s one thing some small business owners are overlooking that they can handle themselves– REVIEWS!
Did you know that reviews on your Google+ page can boost your search ranking? Meaning you’ll appear to more customers, more often, higher up on the search list? It’s not even paid advertising! All you need to do is set up a Google+ page and entice/encourage your customers to leave you a review.
What about third party websites?
Many people leave reviews for small businesses on third party websites (for example Trip Advisor or Urban Spoon). As a small business owner you might not think twice about this…but here’s why you should:
- Reviews on well-constructed third party websites will appear on search engine searches – giving your business more ‘free’ exposure and brand awareness.
- Good reviews can boost your clientele with people regularly reading reviews before trying out new businesses. If they see you have a good star rating they are more likely to give you a go.
- ‘Reviews’ scare business owners because they can be negative and stop new people trying a business. It doesn’t have to be this way! Many third party websites let business owners respond directly to reviews – so if you do get a bad review, it’s ok! If you can respond to it quickly and appropriately, potential clients will see your effort and side of the story and be more willing to give you a go.
Small business owners need to start capitalising on online reviews and start using them to their advantage. Encourage all of your clients to leave you a review – you can even offer a small gift for doing so. Get people interacting with you online, show your personality – make them a part of your business family.
And for the average public?
We think you should be supporting small businesses in any way you can! If leaving a review online is going to help that lovely coffee shop lady down the road who knows your order and name, then jump online and review her business!
We’re encouraging everyone this month to #reviewyourfav small business. Give some props to the people who work hard to serve you and the community. Let’s stop being big business pawns and support the smaller businesses who, at the end of the day, are there to ensure we get the services and products that cater for our individuality.