9 ways to increase sales with online reviews
Believe it or not, 61% of Generation X (ages 35 -50) and a whopping 82% of Millennials (ages 20 to 34) say the advice of others is extremely influential in their buying decisions. Whether these generations are referring to comments from family or friends, or what they read on online reviews, the bottom line is they want to know what’s being said about you. Do you know? Many people have pre-conceived ideas about resale that aren’t positive. Make sure you’re found in as many places as possible and take charge of your online reviews.
Online reviews can make or break you. Take charge.
Yelp!
Yelp! is a social networking, user review and local search web site. With 142 million monthly unique visitors and 2.1 million local claimed businesses, Yelp! is the definitive source for local online reviews. Add the location of your business along with a 5-point rating and reviews, plus key business details such as hours, accessibility and parking.
Google + Brands
With the use of a Google + local page for your business, you can easily build your brand’s (shop’s) image. Google offers a variety of ways you can be found. Add Google maps, Google My Business and Google ads to give you more exposure. You can even tie Google + to videos on You Tube to give a store tour, highlight merchandise or even store personnel.
City Search
CitySearch is an online city guide that lists businesses around cities throughout the United States. They have user-generated online reviews and a 5-star rating system.
Yahoo Local Listings
Yahoo! Local has lots of potential customers every day. Add details about your business along with reviews and a map. Although not quite as popular as others, it still gets a large share of traffic for local communities.
MerchantCircle
MerchantCircle lets shoppers view merchants and their deals by cities. List your shop under Retail Shopping or find a more specialized category such as Home Decor. Gain online reviews, add your phone number and get listed on the city map. It’s especially good for reaching those resale shoppers visiting from another city or state.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The Better Business Bureau is a trusted organization that collects and provides free business reliability reviews. The BBB has a set of standards that businesses are compared to. Each business receives a rating based on that comparison.
Website Testimonials
It goes without saying, your website must have testimonials from your shoppers. Whenever possible, include a photo and a personal experience that gives the referral a friendly touch.
LinkedIn 
LinkedIn has company pages where you receive customer recommendations. Your shoppers endorse your store and build your business credibility. LinkedIn is especially popular with males and upper income shoppers.
Facebook is the perfect site for shoppers to leave comments or ask questions. The more engaged you are with your Facebook friends, the better. Make sure you set up a Facebook page for business to gain all of the insights and feedback you can from visitors.
You can never be listed in too many locations. Take time to regularly check your reviews and respond to the comments. If you receive a negative review, don’t delete it. Answer and try to resolve the situation quickly. Experts agree that when a business has a few negative reviews that are properly handled, shoppers tend to have greater trust in that business.
Get More Out of Google For Your Shop
Have you been found by Google?
Today, instead of digging your trusty phone book or dictionary out of the kitchen drawer to look something up, you merely say, “Let me Google that.” If you want to be found by new shoppers, Google My Business is where you need to be. Here are 2 of the special services they offer.
Google +
With over 400 million active users, Google + is the perfect place to reach new customers. It’s very strong with 25 to 34 years olds and almost equally used among men and women. Like any other social media platform, it allows you to connect with potential buyers as you post photos, news and special sales. Sign up is free and can be done in a matter of minutes.
Once signed up, you’ll create your business profile with a photo, store hours, address and phone number. Your account will not be immediately verified, but you will receive verification within 2 weeks. You can continue to add other information such as photos of your shop, links to your website and a brief introduction. This will appear not only in Google +, but it will be added to Maps as well as Search.
Business View – Google 360° virtual tour
Business View is the perfect means to show the uniqueness of your store. Literally, the shopper feels as if she’s standing in the middle of your sales floor. As part of Google Maps, your first step to participate in Business View is to find a certified Trusted Photographer or Agency. You will find a list of photographers in your area here. A photographer will come to your shop and give you a free estimate of the photo session based on the size and layout of your business. Once you have agreed, the photographer takes care of the rest. Here are some answers to some of your questions listed on one certified photographer’s site.
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