In today’s digital age, online reviews and recommendations are not just an add-on—they’re a lifeline for your business. According to the Local Consumer Review Survey 2010, a whopping 70% of consumers trust online reviews just as much as personal recommendations. That’s right, your potential customers are turning to the internet to gauge the quality and reliability of your business before making a purchase. But how do we leverage that power? Let’s dive into some eye-opening findings from the survey that can transform how you approach customer recommendations.
What Businesses Are Getting Recommended?
The survey asked respondents which types of local businesses they would recommend based on their experiences. The results are telling:
Restaurants (56%)
Doctors/Dentists (49%)
Garages/Car Dealerships (38%)
You might think hotels would top the list due to their abundance of reviews, but the everyday interactions people have with restaurants and local services drive more conversation. When people chat about their day-to-day lives, they’re more likely to share their recent experiences at a local diner than their vacation stay.
How Are Recommendations Made?
When it comes to how consumers share their experiences, traditional word-of-mouth reigns supreme. 79% of people reported recommending a business in person over the past year. But don’t sleep on digital channels; 27% have taken to Facebook to share their recommendations.
The demographic breakdown shows that younger consumers are more likely to use social media platforms like Facebook (32%) and online directories (22%). This means if you’re not engaging with these platforms, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to amplify your reach.
What Drives a Recommendation?
Now, let’s talk about what truly motivates people to recommend your business. According to the survey:
Reliability & Professionalism are the key traits driving recommendations, with 60% of respondents highlighting these as vital.
A Friendly & Welcoming Service comes in second at 49%.
Offering good value is also essential, with 46% of consumers noting this factor.
Simply asking for a recommendation isn’t enough—only 13% of consumers would recommend a business just because they were asked. You need to earn that shout-out by building a reputation grounded in reliability and service excellence.
The Power of Discounts and Offers
Want to motivate your customers further? Offering a special deal or discount works wonders. The survey revealed that 52% of respondents would be more likely to recommend a business that has a good special offer. Notably, 61% of consumers aged 55+ are especially deal-conscious, making discounts an effective strategy for engaging older customers.
Personal Benefit is a Game Changer
Have you ever thought about how personal gain influences recommendations? It’s significant. 40% of consumers said they would be more likely to recommend a local business if they could benefit from doing so. This percentage rises dramatically; up to 75% of customers might recommend a business if there’s a direct benefit involved.
The Bottom Line
The survey results are crystal clear: mastering local recommendations is crucial for your business success. To thrive, focus on providing reliable, professional, and friendly service. Don’t shy away from utilizing digital platforms to engage your customers and encourage word-of-mouth.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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