You Are Not Exempt From Writing Reviews

Posted by Will McKenzie

Owning and operating a local business usually guarantees that your day will be busy from beginning to end. If you have taken the time to read this blog then that says something about you; you are someone who understands that marketing your business and more specifically, getting reviews online, is of utmost importance. Receiving tons of reviews on Google+, Yelp, or Foursquare can make or break a business, so why do business owners hesitate when asked to provide a review for other businesses? Whether it is the local coffee shop, your company’s electrician, or your main supplier; providing these businesses with reviews is necessary to help you grow your business. Here are four tips on giving reviews while representing your business:

Create Accounts for your Business

The first step to writing reviews is to create accounts. Yelp, Google+, and Foursquare are all excellent accounts to start with for a local business. After you are all signed up, just start reviewing. It is best to target companies that directly benefit your business’s success, but don’t be afraid to give a review to that kick-ass taco shop down the street. By giving positive reviews you will be building up your companies profile online as well.

Build Loyalty

We have al read through a company’s Google+ or Yelp profile and seen some horrific reviews with questionable language; NEVER give a blatantly negative review under your business account! These reviews are rarely helpful and do nothing but hurt your own companies brand loyalty. Give positive and uplifting reviews to the people you work with, and you will gain customers for life.

Don’t be Afraid to Give Suggestions

Giving a positive review of a company does not always mean that they were perfect. It is okay to writing criticism, just make sure it is productive and kind. For example, if I owned a local hardware store and was reviewing the local electrician who worked on our store and also buys from us I would say: “Gary’s Electricians have always been kind, fair, and efficient when working with our shop. Last week Gary came out and fixed our circuit board the same day we called. It would be easier if Gary had an email service to make it easier on the customer, but that is a small price to pay when working with the best electrician in Cincinnati.”

Schedule Time

Writing reviews takes time and effort, which means that you will need to schedule time every week to fit this into your schedule. We recommend that every Friday you sit down and review at least one partnering business or local business. This will help you get into a routine and will probably create a bigger fan base for your business.