Source: http://searchenginewatch.com/sew/how-to/2436136/the-importance-of-user-reviews-for-local-seo
Positive reviews are essential to every business. On the web these days, review signals play a part in local search visibility. Search engines like Google use review scores as one important factor to rank websites. As such online retailers need good reviews if they want to stay on top of the search results page. Below are tips on how to attract positive reviews.
Ensure the best possible customer experience.
- Provide quality products or services.
- Show that you care for your customers.
- Customers with great experience would be compelled to leave a review.
Be active and use your social channels
- Occasionally post a message asking for reviews.
- Keep in mind not to overdo it though.
Respond politely and promptly to negative reviews.
- Seek to understand the customer.
- Resolve issues if possible.
- This leaves good impression especially to potential customers.
Be more pro-active.
- Don’t just sit and wait.
- Ask customers – hand out cards or send follow up through email.
- Set up a landing page for reviews.
Be patient.
- Don’t expect overnight success.
- It is more realistic to have a few reviews a month or a steady flow of reviews.
Get good reviews to encourage clickthroughs or physical visits to your site.