Are your customers telling you the whole truth?
As a home builder, remodeler, or home service provider, you frequently rely on word of mouth recommendations to grow your business and build a client base. However, with the internet at everyone’s disposal, word of mouth has evolved.
The way your customers get information and interact with others has changed so much that most consumers trust online referrals as much as a personal recommendation from a trusted friend or family member. In fact, 93% of customers read online reviews and say that those reviews influenced their decision to buy.
This information is crucial. If you understand how to grow your business through online referrals and market those reviews through social media, you will have a better chance of succeeding.
Importance of online reviews for business growth
Before diving into the ways that you can grow your business through online reviews, let’s talk about the importance of gathering this feedback.
If you are still relying on traditional word of mouth referrals, that’s fine. Let’s say, however, that a prospective customer gets your name from a friend and then looks you up online. Do you have the online reviews to convince them to give you a call? If you don’t have a solid collection of reviews built up, or even worse, no reviews, there’s a chance you will not get a phone call, even with a traditional word of mouth of referral.
In addition to building your online reviews, that feedback can provide you with the business insights necessary to improve processes and customer experience. All things that are crucial if you want to take your business to the next level.
3 ways to grow your business through online reviews
Online reviews will never completely replace traditional word of mouth marketing, but it is to your advantage to understand and evolve with changes in technology and customer preferences.
1. Understand the changing landscape
With prospects having access to more information than they know what to do with, it would be to your advantage to use that for good. You have the option of garnering online reviews from prospects and customers, networking on social media, and reaching out to blogs, local establishments, and even influencers to gain exposure.
Some of these things you may have already tried, but if you haven’t, pick a few and test them. See what works best for your business and your customers, and run with it. The best marketing tactics for your business are ones that you can realistically maintain over a long-term period.
2. Make the most of online reviews
Collecting online reviews not only gives prospects more information on your company, but will help build your online reputation. You become more visible online when homeowners are searching for a contractor that offers your services.
The more quality reviews you receive, the more likely it is that someone will call you based on those reviews. It’s a positive feedback loop that will help grow your business in the long run.
That being said, don’t be afraid to ask for reviews. Most customers understand that this is common practice for businesses. Additionally, if they like your work, they will likely be glad to help you by providing a favorable review.
3. Use social media to grow your business
If you don’t have an online presence, how are your prospective clients supposed to find you? Social media platforms allow you to connect with their audience in a unique way. Show off your work by posting before, during, and after pictures, and even highlight your team and their talents. You can even get creative and share online reviews through your social channels.
Maintaining a social media presence, while it may appear to be trivial and unnecessary, can help you grow your business if done right. Social media helps you connect with prospects and customers in a way you otherwise wouldn’t. You are able to build relationships and stay top of mind for those that might need your services in the future.
Grow your business with GuildQuality surveying
We understand that as a business owner in the home builder, remodeling, and home services industries, you likely have to wear many hats to succeed. At GuildQuality, we take the work off of your plate.
With the new way of word of mouth marketing, our platform allows you to survey your prospects and customers on a regular basis to ensure you receive up-to-date feedback and reviews. Build your online presence, improve your online reputation, and gain insight into your business processes. Get started today with a free trial!
