Did you know that over 80% of consumers trust reviews as much as recommendations from family and close friends? With online reviews becoming more influential as web use increases, it has never been more important for businesses to go all-out to impress customers. If you run a company, and you’re keen to improve, here are some tips to turn an average rating into an outstanding score. 

Prioritize quality

Nothing sends buyers rushing to their keyboards to complain like faulty goods or products that break within a few days. Quality is essential when producing, marketing and selling goods. When you agree to sell an item to a customer, they have expectations. It is your job, as the vendor, to meet, and hopefully exceed those expectations. If the quality of the product is poor, or the service you provide doesn’t meet the standards of your customer, there is a high risk of receiving negative feedback. Prioritize quality. Work with the best businesses and suppliers, enforce and implement quality control measures and make sure you are sending or handing over products you would be happy to pay for yourself. From finding the best valve manufacturer for high-tech devices to using reputable, trustworthy companies to create toys, gadgets, cosmetic products or clothes, it’s essential to make sure that the products you manufacture, source or sell live up to their billing. If you market a product as high-quality and it breaks, it doesn’t work or customers are disappointed because alternatives from competitors offer better value, this will be reflected in your reviews. 

Put your customers first

Consumer demands and expectations have evolved. Today, customers don’t just want to buy a product either in-store or online. They want to enjoy an experience, and they expect a certain level of customer service. Whether you sell products in a physical store, or you have a web-based business, it’s essential to put your customers first, to understand the importance of customer service and to go the extra mile to create an enjoyable experience. Eliminate potential obstacles, make the shopping experience fun and hassle-free and try and offer something different to your rivals. If you have a clothing website, for example, you could add features like personalized recommendations, size tips based on previous orders and the option to design virtual outfits before adding items to your cart. Providing customer support is also crucial. One of the most common reasons shoppers abandon their cart is the inability to find answers to questions. If a buyer needs advice about the size of a top, they have queries about delivery speed, or they want to know if they can return the item without paying for delivery, they might not proceed if they can’t find the information they need quickly. It’s a great idea to provide detailed information in product descriptions, to include an FAQ section on your site and to offer live chat for instant assistance.

Looking after loyal clients is another effective way to boost ratings, improve client retention rates and enhance your brand reputation. It’s much easier to keep hold of an existing customer than to attract a new one, yet many businesses focus all their energy on bringing in new clients. Customers that come back again and again are more likely to tell all their friends and colleagues about your business. 

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Focus on the details

More and more people shop online. While this is good news for many retailers, it does mean that competition is becoming more fierce. It’s essential to try and make your business stand out, and achieving brilliant ratings is an excellent way to lure new customers in. If shoppers see rave reviews, they will be more likely to buy from you. As well as delivering on promises, prioritizing quality and putting your customers first, it’s also beneficial to pay attention to the finer details. Added extras and personal touches can set you apart and encourage your customers to leave positive feedback, use you again and recommend you to others. Simple things like leaving a personalized thank you note with each order, including a discount code for the next purchase, sending out an offer on the customer’s birthday and inviting loyal clients to exclusive sales can make the difference. Customers want to feel special and appreciated. If they feel like they’re missing out on VIP treatment, they may look elsewhere. 

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Customer reviews and ratings carry a lot of weight in 2021, and they can make the difference between making a sale and losing out to a competitor. If you’re looking to attract rave reviews, start taking these steps today.