It’s no secret that online reviews are important for restaurants. A recent study by BrightLocal found that 84% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. If you’re not getting reviews on sites like Yelp and Google, you’re missing out on many potential businesses. In this blog post, we will discuss how restaurants can get more online reviews and improve their online presence.
Importance of Reviews for Restaurants
Most people read online reviews (at least occasionally), and most of us have done so at some point in our lives. You’re probably reading them right now. According to a recent poll, reading reviews has grown more popular over the last decade, with 91 percent of American customers consulting review sites regularly or occasionally. While consumers may or may not search Yelp before purchasing gasoline or groceries, restaurants are the ones they’re most likely to look up online. In the poll, 60 percent of respondents read restaurant and cafe evaluations. It was the category in which people read the most reviews.
Pro Tips for Restaurants to Get More Reviews
Ask for Reviews
Customers satisfied with their experience are more than willing to leave a gratuity, yet few write reviews. However, many are ready to comply if you ask them. People get caught up and forgetful from time to time. While you can leave reminders in your store, near the register, and at the entrance so that they may see them as they walk out, there are other methods to ensure that you maximize your existing delighted customers.
Make Your Profile on Review Sites
Make sure you assert your business on Google, Yelp, and Opentable. Then, ensure customers can see you visit these sites by responding to reviews when needed. It will let people know you’re listening to your guests and give you a chance to react to unfair comments politely. It will show that you have a personality that is always appreciated.
Customer Service
Customer service is a major deterrent to business retention, especially for restaurants. According to a business consulting firm (Lee Resources), around 80% of firms think they provide “excellent” customer service. When polled, however, 8% of them believe the same companies offer “excellent” customer service.
Food Quality
As they get closer to each other, the better their overall experience should be (the food) if you want positive online comments. Unsurprisingly, bad food quality won’t bring many clients back, and even negative feedback.
Cleaning
A restaurant’s appearance is crucial, and this is especially true for one that serves food. Strange odours, filthy tables (or food beneath them), and unclean restrooms are all signals to customers.
Respond To Online Reviews
Whether the review is good or bad, responding is essential. It demonstrates to visitors that you care about their experience at your restaurant. Replying to a poor review will go a long way toward improving the guest’s experience. You can respond publicly or privately; it just matters that you are courteous about it.
Conclusion
So, you can encourage customers to leave reviews and improve your restaurant’s online presence. Asking for reviews, making it easy to leave them, and responding to them are all key components of a successful review strategy. Making a great customer experience is essential to getting good reviews.
Need some help getting reviews? Contact Review Rabbit today to see how we can help!