The Food Industry Blog | News, Updates & Ideas

Think of online reviews like the word of mouth of the social media age. They are the ultimate in social proof that helps to build trust in your brand and gives consumers the confidence to use a tried and tested supplier. Opening up your business to online reviews also shows that your business values transparency.

But if you’re still a little apprehensive about turning on the review function on your Facebook page or setting yourself up on business directories that offer online reviews like True Local or Yellow Pages, these other reasons may be what you need to push forward.

Why you should consider online reviews for your food service business

1. Reviews will help your SEO

Positive reviews about your business, being listed on high-quality directories or hubs like FoodService Select and mentions in quality articles, will likely increase your chances of ranking better in search. This is opposed to a business that is rarely mentioned and has negative or no reviews. Lots of good reviews can also increase your chances of appearing higher up in local search results.

2. More business

Implementing reviews and then getting good ones will most definitely increase your chances of getting more business. The purchasing decisions of many people include internet research and reading a review is a sure fire and easy way to let people know whether they should do business with you or not.  Still not convinced?

This survey found that almost 90% people were influenced by online reviews when deciding to buy. 

3. Passive marketing that continues to work for you

When you have some great online reviews up your sleeve, they’ll act like a mini-marketing campaign that will continue to work for you, even while you sleep. It’s using the power of a raving fan to share the same message over and over to potential customers that continue to find the online reviews while doing their pre-purchase research.

4. Build your community

Introducing an option for online reviews can potentially create a community that gets people talking about your product or service. People reply to other reviews and discussions are created about your product or service. It's here you may also discover some raving fans you never knew you had.

5. Understand your customers

The best way to understand your customer is to receive feedback from them and learn from the feedback. Online reviews are the perfect way to find out what you’re doing well and what you can improve on. Yes, it can be nerve wracking wondering if you’re going to receive a negative review but remember, the way you respond to a negative review is what people notice, focus on providing an excellent customer experience and you’ll find that negative reviews are few and far between.

Online reviews could mean the difference between someone using your business or going with a competitor; if you have no reviews but your competitor does, the consumer trust will most often lay with the other business. Why not give online reviews a shot, you might be pleasantly surprised.