Instead of depending on the word of a single reviewer, you would prefer to go through reviews written by dozens, if not hundreds, of people about a restaurant’s food, service, and ambience. Before you decide to visit the location, this can assist with knowing more about it.
The Crowd as Reviewer
Here we see the real power of Crowdreviewing, the practice of soliciting opinions from a large number of people.
Crowd-reviewing involves gathering feedback and opinions from a large online audience on products, services, or concepts. Compared to relying on a single reviewer, this approach leverages the crowd’s collective intelligence to provide a substantial and more diverse range of perspectives.
Which Online review platforms are widely used by customers?
While evaluating a product or service, consumers often consult an assortment of various online review platforms. A few of the most common ones are listed below:
- Google My Business: To effectively manage their online reputation, local businesses must leverage this complimentary application developed by Google that seamlessly integrates with search results and maps, enabling customers to provide ratings and reviews directly on the Google listing of a business.
- Facebook Reviews: Facebook, the preeminent social network globally, provides users with a distinct interface for their reviews, enabling customers to interact directly with enterprises and share their experiences.
- YELP: Yelp is a trusted digital platform that facilitates the discovery of nearby businesses, including bars, restaurants, and service providers. Customers can offer written evaluations based on their encounters and viewpoints regarding the enterprise.
- TripAdvisor: This platform caters to travelers, offering reviews and information on hotels, restaurants, attractions, and travel experiences.
- Amazon Reviews: Online buyers can get a goldmine of customer perspectives on various products by reading Amazon reviews. Consumers can share their experiences with products through written reviews, star ratings, and even images/videos.
- Trustpilot: A well-known third-party forum for independent reviews of various companies and services. Users can rate and review businesses to assist others in making informed judgements.
- Angie: (Formerly Angie’s List) For homeowners looking to engage a qualified contractor for maintenance or remodelling work, such as roofing, plumbing, or gardening, there is a dedicated search engine called Angi. Using this resource to find contractors, reviews, and rates is a breeze.
How Crowd-Sourced Reviews Fuel Your Search Engine Success
Establishing an authoritative online image is essential in the cutthroat realm of search engine optimisation. Even though reading reviews on websites can be reassuring, they are not as reliable as independent review sites like Yelp, Trust Pilot, etc. Here’s why:
- Diversity Matters: Unlike website reviews, which might be limited or influenced, third-party platforms attract a wider audience. This diversity paints a more accurate picture of your business for potential customers and search engines.
- Trustworthy Signal: Positive reviews on established platforms are vital citations for your business. Google recognises these trusted sources and considers them a more robust signal of your credibility and trustworthiness.
Think of it like this:
- Website Reviews: Imagine a small focus group praising your business in a controlled environment. While valuable for building rapport, it lacks a broader perspective.
- Third-Party Reviews: Picture a bustling town square filled with diverse voices sharing their positive experiences, creating a more effective and creditable image for Google and potential customers.
The Google Advantage:
- Crawling Power: Although Yelp and Trust Pilot reviews aren’t explicitly displayed in search results, Google continuously scans the web and can thus see them. Thanks to good reviews on reliable sites, Google values your whole online presence.
- Indirect Ranking Boost: While Google prioritises Google My Business reviews for ranking, the sentiment of reviews across platforms can still influence your search ranking indirectly. A consistent stream of positive reviews across the web strengthens your reputation in Google’s eyes.
The Final Word
A strong SEO strategy requires a multi-tiered approach to reviews. Prioritise GMB reviews for the most significant ranking impact.
However, take into account the power of third-party reviews. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on reputable online business listing platforms. This strategy builds trust with potential customers and sends a strong signal to Google, boosting your local SEO and attracting more business.
