Ever wonder what a simple review does for your favorite local coffee shop? Or that quick comment to a friend on a new restaurant opening up down the street? As it turns out, it matters…big time! According to the Small Business Search Marketing Survey (by American Express OPEN), many U.S. small businesses still count on word-of-mouth to be discovered (82% of small businesses surveyed).
What is the impact of providing a high rating for a business via smartphone apps or online review sites? 66% of new customers find new business this way and 58% of new customers trust business with POSITIVE reviews. We would say the impact is pretty significant.
Is your small business NOT very active online? Well, this isn’t looking too good for you. Only 15% of individuals in this survey found a local business WITHOUT using the internet. Make sure to take a good look at your ad budget, and maybe spend some time investing in your online presence.
So if you are looking for ways to support local business, it may be as simple as jumping on your favorite review site to give them a 5-star review, promoting them on the social media interwebs, or telling your friends and family about them!
Think Global, Shop (and review) Local!
Head over to Column Five Media to snag a copy of this infographic by Milo (a local shopping site)!
Tyler Trueg
Latest posts by Tyler Trueg (see all)
- Just past 2:49pm. Less than a mile to go to finish the Boston Marathon for those who couldn’t. [via tylertrueg] - 04/20/2013
- Thanks @hughvandivier for getting us together to remember Boston [via tylertrueg] - 04/20/2013
- Warming up for The Last Mile for Boston on Mass Ave [via tylertrueg] - 04/20/2013
