In this era of smartphones and ubiquitous internet, online reviews are paramount, especially if you’re in the home service business. They’re not merely a “nice-to-have” but foundational to your digital reputation. Given their significance, it’s imperative to be attentive to this feedback, recognizing that they serve as your digital bread and butter. Here’s why reviews matter and why you should prioritize them.

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Building Trust

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Recall the last time you sought out a restaurant or a product. Did you glance at the reviews? You’re not alone. In fact, 82% of consumers dive into reviews before deciding on a local service. A robust collection of positive reviews reassures potential clients of your service quality and shows your dedication and eagerness to hear from them. By promoting reviews, you let customers know that you take pride in your work and value your customers’ opinions.

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Boosting Visibility

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Search engines, particularly Google, have a soft spot for businesses showcasing their collection of positive reviews. This affinity elevates your business to prime positions in search results and acts as a golden ticket to the “cool table,” ensuring that your home service is prominently shown when potential customers are on the lookout.

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In today’s digital landscape, homeowners have become discerning about which home services they consider, with online reviews playing a pivotal role in their decision-making process. A survey by BrightLocal found that 87% of consumers read reviews for local businesses in 2020. Moreover, many homeowners set a baseline for the number of reviews a service must have before considering it. For instance, the same study revealed that the average consumer reads up to 10 reviews before trusting a business. In simple terms, if your home service business hasn’t amassed enough reviews, there’s a chance you might be overlooked, regardless of the quality of your service.

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Not All Feedback Is Scary

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In addition to reading the reviews themselves, homeowners are also on the lookout for engaged businesses. Notably, 88% of consumers are more inclined to use a business if they observe the owner engaging with all reviews, whether celebratory or critical. While not every review will be glowing, those less-than-stellar ones shouldn’t be interpreted as setbacks. They are opportunities to get critical feedback from your customers and demonstrate your commitment to high standards of service..

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Digital Shoutouts are Gold

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Recall the timeless power of word-of-mouth? Online reviews are its modern, amplified counterpart. When a happy customer leaves a glowing review, it’s akin to them announcing your excellence to an expansive digital neighborhood. These testimonials, being more widespread than traditional recommendations, magnify the influence of each satisfied customer.

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A study by BrightLocal highlighted that in 2022, 76% of consumers regularly turned to online reviews when seeking local businesses, showing only a slight decrease from the 77% recorded in 2021. Moreover, a whopping 98% of consumers used the internet to gather information about local businesses in 2022, marking a significant jump from 90% in 2019. Despite these shifts, the daily usage of the internet to seek out local businesses has remained consistent at 21%. Almost half of these consumers, 46% to be precise, believe that online business reviews carry the same weight of trustworthiness as personal recommendations from friends or family. This underscores the profound influence and trust digital feedback holds in consumers’ decision-making processes.

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Strengthening Customer Relationships

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Engaging with reviews, good or bad, extends beyond mere business optics—it showcases a genuine concern for customer experiences. This personal touch in soliciting feedback and responding signals an authentic interest in their perspectives. Such meaningful interactions can transform occasional clients into dedicated loyalists who choose to stay and advocate for your brand.

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Ka-Ching! More Business

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Positive reviews act as powerful magnets, drawing more individuals to your services. A robust review profile isn’t just a good look—it has tangible business benefits. Research shows that businesses with an average rating of 4 stars or higher on review platforms receive 32% more revenue compared to those with lower ratings (Valve+Meter).

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The cycle of work, review, and work again is a dynamic process that benefits both homeowners and home service businesses. When a business completes a job and actively seeks feedback, it lays the groundwork for improvement, ensuring that the next job is even better than the last. Positive reviews, in turn, generate more leads and enhance revenue. For homeowners, this cycle means consistently improved services tailored to their needs and preferences, fostering trust. As they witness businesses actively adapt and refine based on their feedback, their confidence grows. For home service businesses, this process ensures they stay aligned with customer expectations, thereby boosting their reputation and income. It’s a virtuous cycle where both parties continually derive value, reinforcing trust, satisfaction, and financial prosperity.

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Quick Tips for Raking in Those Reviews:

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Strike While the Iron’s Hot: Ask for a review right after you’ve done your magic. Fresh experiences make for genuine feedback. Also, don’t feel uncomfortable asking for a review if you’re dealing with a satisfied customer; 95% of consumers left an online review in 2022 or would at least consider leaving one. That means people are always leaving reviews, so don’t feel bad asking for one.

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Keep It Simple: Guide them a bit. Consider sharing a direct link or a quick how-to for leaving a review. Ensure there are few boundaries between your homeowner and them giving you a review. Make sure if you’re sending them a link, it goes straight to the review, and they can avoid jumping through hoops and ending up getting lost or frustrated in the process. Also, think about how you would like to receive a review request; how would it make you feel? Which way would make you want to leave a review?

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Sweeten the Deal: While buying reviews is a no-no, maybe nudge them gently with a future discount or a tiny giveaway. If you still feel moved to buy reviews, remember that 50% of consumers saw fake reviews on Google in 2022. Buying reviews could worsen your business and lead to distrust with homeowners.

Online reviews serve as the lifeblood of your home service business in our digital age. They transcend being digital badges; they’re dynamic conversations and connections, reflecting your diligence and commitment. By embracing and proactively managing them, you’re showcasing your dedication and laying the foundation for enduring success.

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Want to make your reviews go to work for you?

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Crux, the premier Neighborhood Brand Platform, is crafted to fortify the digital footprint of Home Service Businesses (HSBs). We optimize the impact of your reviews with a suite of tools that includes Centralized Review Management, Spotlighting Favorable Reviews, Mitigating Negative Feedback, Deep-Dive Analytics, and beyond!

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By providing these essential tools and services, RealWork Labs enables Home Service Businesses to capitalize on the potency of reviews, refine their offerings, and build trust with existing and prospective clients.

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