Categories: Field Service

Are Bad Reviews Actually Good for Business?

Online reviews are today’s “word of mouth”. In fact, a 2015 BrightLocal consumer study found that an overwhelming 92% of consumers read online reviews. As a business owner or manager you already know that customer reviews are important, but you may worry about opening your business up to negative feedback if you start asking customers for reviews. A bad review may feel like a catastrophe, but it can actually be a good thing for your business. Here’s why:

Consumers expect to see some bad reviews

You’ve probably seen stories in the news recently about companies being sued over fake reviews. A quick Google search turns up many articles and blog posts providing tips on spotting fake reviews. Today’s consumers are savvy and may be suspicious of a company that does not have any one or two-star reviews.

The good will outweigh the bad

Although consumers expect to see some bad reviews, more negative than positive reviews are obviously not a good thing. You don’t need to worry about this as long as you are proactively asking happy customers to review you. However, if you leave it to chance it is possible that the only people motivated enough to leave you a review will be the minority of your customers who are unhappy with your company. If you put a process in place to request reviews proactively (and ideally automatically), the number of positive reviews will outweigh the number of negative.

How you react is what really matters

You can’t fully control what is posted online about your business, but you have the power to control how you respond. When a customer leaves you a less-than-flattering review, they’ve actually presented you with an opportunity. This is your chance to not only rectify the situation for that particular customer but also to show potential customers (who will be reading your reviews) that you care by responding promptly, politely, and publicly. Consumers understand that no company is perfect and mistakes happen, what they really care about is that you will make things right.

Sarah Gedo

Recent Posts

Eco-Friendly Pest Control: Why Your Business Should Go Green

As environmental concerns become increasingly pressing, businesses are reevaluating their practices to align with sustainable…

4 days ago

Delivery Scheduling Best Practices: Full Comprehensive Guide

In today's fast-paced world, efficient delivery scheduling has become a cornerstone of successful logistics. As…

1 week ago

Pest Control Statistics 2025: Industry Trends to Look Out For

As the world grapples with increasing urbanization and changing environmental conditions, the pest control industry…

1 week ago

How Small Businesses in Delivery and Home Services Can Utilize Facebook Posts to Their Advantage

In today's digital age, small businesses in the delivery and home service industries need an…

1 month ago

WorkWave Attends PestWorld 2024 as a Strategic Partner for the Third Year

PestPac by WorkWave will once again have a strong presence at NPMA’s PestWorld as an…

1 month ago

Create a Winning Business Plan for Your Delivery and Transportation Business In 8 Steps

Starting a delivery and transportation business can be incredibly rewarding, but like any venture, it…

1 month ago