Reviewing the Influence of Online Reviews

by Marion aan ‘t Goor (ViralBlog,  2013) [Link]

Key Points

“Your business’ Internet reputation is everything these days. Your customers are increasingly writing reviews and recommendations about, and giving ratings to, your products online. How do these influence potential new customers?”

• PeopleClaim surveyed 2,445 US consumers, of which 70% consulted online reviews and ratings before purchasing a product.
• Shoppers are also more prone to trust reviews by friends or other similar people, than critics.
• Not only do consumers look for reviews and recommendations on search engines, they also expect websites to provide opportunities for consumers to give reviews: 61% of consumers are more likely to buy products from a website if it has product ratings and reviews.
• 96% of surveyed retailers who have a review feature on their website, claimed it was a very effective way to drive conversion, with people more prone to purchase a product which has a good rating.

  “Online customer reviews can no longer be ignored.”

• An Infographic from PeopleClaim study
  
  Review: From 2013 so a little dated, from a Social Media Consultant who may have bias in drumming up more business, PeopleClaim may not be a reliable source – not famed for academic research.

How it relates to BeSeated: Online reviews are extremely important. Businesses can use reviews and review sites to increase their business.