Reviews. We all know them, we all check them. Before heading to that new Sushi place downtown, you check to see what the other locals thought of it. Put simply, the better your online reputation is, the easier it is for people to make the decision to give you a try. If a business has more than nine current reviews, they earn 52% more revenue than the average. If a business has more than 25 current reviews, that increases to 108%. (Source: Womply)
Reviews lend you credibility, and enable you to receive feedback directly from the source. Responses to reviews show that your business cares, and that you take feedback and customer satisfaction seriously. According to the Better Business Bureau, 97% of consumers utilize online reviews when evaluating services. Allow reviews to be the wind in the sails of your marina marketing strategy.
A quick line after your guests have departed not only shows that you value their business, but also that you genuinely hope they enjoyed their experience. Up to 80% of reviews originate from follow-up emails urging shoppers to review their purchases. (source: Spiegel) A follow up email opens the door for feedback, and is a super easy way to slip in a note soliciting a review.
Places like your fuel dock, ships store, and heads are prime locations for signage. Post a simple sign requesting a review in these heavily trafficked locations. The more people that see the sign, the better! 68% of consumers have left a review for a local business after being asked to do so. (Source:BrightLocal)
Something as simple as a small discount on fuel, or a free bag of ice at the dock house can be a great way to incentivize people to leave your marina a review. A sticker, hat, or coozie with your logo is a double marketing win. About 75% of customers are willing to answer anywhere from one to five survey questions. (Source: GatherUp) So don’t be afraid to ask!
Any review can be beneficial to your business, but why not ask for them from people that have extensive experience with you? Personal details and specifics go a long way in building trust in a review. And in turn, lending your business credibility.
A response to a customer’s review from the marina not only validates the review, it shows that you take feedback seriously and strive to improve. In the case of a good review, it furthers that relationship with the customer. In the case of a negative review, it gives you a voice to assure the public that you take concerns seriously, and are working to resolve the problem. Seven out of 10 consumers changed their opinion about a brand after the company replied to a review (Source: Marketing Charts).
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