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Do Online Reviews Help The Search Engine Optimization Of A Business?

By Paul Cunningham

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Published: 11Mar2012
Word count: 796
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In the third part of this series I'm going to focus on using reviews to generate more business and look at how building good reputation online will help with the SEO of local businesses.

The internet has completely changed the way we look for products. Today we all seek out online reviews, social media based reviews, online video and extensive product details as we look to make a purchase.

As an example, now I don't book a hotel until I have scanned at least a few months worth of reviews on Tripadvisor. The information is there and these actual comments will help me make my choice. In the past, this process was limited to searching for hotels, restaurants etc. But what we are now finding is that this information is available across many areas of business including local plumbers or skip hire firms. The 'Amazon type' journey is now taken for granted for anyone looking to make a purchase online, especially finding a local trades person.

So what should you do as a local business?

My advice is to get listed on as many review orientated sites as possible - I have listed a few to get you started.

Google Places - www.google.com/places, Qype - www.qype.co.uk, Freeindex - www.freeindex.co.uk

Remember - you will need to create listings in the first place to be able to allow access for users to leave reviews but not only will this help with your inbound link count for SEO it will also give you additional presence. We will cover some of these sites in more detail over time:

As a local business, the aim is to encourage customers to leave genuine reviews. Use this platform as a means to tune into how customers feel about your business whether it be positive or negative. Where the feedback is negative, respond to it directly on your site and also internally within the business. Manage your online reputation very carefully, making sure you are presented in the best light to prospective customers. In some cases 'turning around' the customers who leave negative reviews can provide more beneficial exposure for your business than if the negative review hadnt appeared in the first place - it all depends on how well its handled.

Reviews should be actively encouraged - for example why not add a link to some of these review sites on your own website : Leave us a review on…. This shows confidence in your product/service and will ensure you gain more free of charge positive exposure.

In summary - reviews matter... make them count.

Paul Cunningham has 11 years experience in website design & for the past five years has specialised in search engine optimisation,in Stockport, UK. The team at Web Site Design Lab have helped hundreds of small & medium sized local business maximise their revenues via cost effective SEO in Manchester and all over the UK.

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