There are many benefits for local businesses to get online reviews. Even small start-ups have much to gain from getting online reviews and can inform them of various things. These benefits include:

1. Reviews Increase Your Chances Of Being Discovered Reviews left by those who have frequented your establishment can boost you up in terms of SEO and organic search engines. This means that the more reviews you have, the higher and closer you are to the top of Google’s search pages. Customers are quite literally your social media specialists, and the more they write the stronger your online presence will be. Think of it as free advertising.

2. Positive Reviews Build Trust With Potential Customers Most customers look for online reviews to see just how great your restaurant is. By having positive reviews that are not made by the restaurant itself, customers can get a clear and unbiased look at what your restaurant has to offer. If reviews are good, that is a huge plus for potential customers because they know your reputation is sound not only from your own advertising but from other customers advertising as well.

3. Reviews Can Help You Beat Out Competitors No one wants to say “I am better than X competitor,” at least not from the restaurant itself. Blatant advertising that puts down another business is unprofessional. You may not be able to advertise this way out of business courtesy, but your customers have no such obligations and will often time chime in that yes, you actually are better than X competitor. This can be a turning point in gaining more customers who may have been debating between you and the other restaurant.

4. Customer Feedback Can Help Improve Your Business Coming out with a new dish? Revamping the inside of the restaurant? Hiring new staff? Online reviews are a great way to see how these changes are affecting your restaurant positively or negatively. If there is a choice made that customers just aren’t that happy about, it’s the perfect time to reflect and see what improvements can be made. If customers are happy about the changes, you know you are on the right track.

5. Gain Closer Relationships With Customers Speaking of improving your business, online reviews provide great opportunity to get closer to your clientele. If something goes wrong and a review is left, your restaurant has the ability to professionally respond and smooth over the issue. Customers will see your interactions with others and can gain new insight into how helpful and caring your business is towards its customers. A funny or caring online presence can bring a sense of closeness with your clientele and allow them to feel that they matter. They can improve your restaurant simply by being available to discuss positive and negative interactions in your restaurant.

In many ways, reviews are an invaluable marketing tool for restaurants, giving you the information you need to be successful while continuously improving your business.

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