01/10/2023
How do customers use reviews to determine buying behavior?
Online reviews have become a key factor in the modern shopping experience, with a significant portion of consumers using them to make purchasing decisions.
According to a recent survey by BrightLocal, 88% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase, and 72% of consumers say that positive reviews make them trust a local business more.
But it's not just the presence of positive reviews that influences consumer behavior – the number of reviews also plays a role. According to a study by Spiegel Research Center, consumers are more likely to purchase if a product has at least a 4-star rating and more than 50 reviews.
In addition to using reviews to evaluate the quality of a product or service, consumers also use them to assess the credibility of a business. A separate survey by Trustpilot found that 84% of consumers trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation from a friend or family member.
But it's not just positive reviews that have an impact on consumer behavior. Negative reviews can also play a role in a consumer's decision-making process. A study by ReviewTrackers found that a single negative review can lead to a 39% decrease in the likelihood of a purchase.
It's clear that online reviews play a significant role in consumer decision-making. By actively managing your online reviews and responding to customer feedback, you can improve your credibility, increase customer trust, and ultimately drive sales.
If you'd like to get a snapshot of your business and its reputation, give us a call for a free detailed analysis and lets get more eyes on your business!
Sources:
BrightLocal, "Local Consumer Review Survey," https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/
Spiegel Research Center, "The Impact of Reviews on Sales: A Meta-Analysis," https://www.spiegelresearch.com/the-impact-of-reviews-on-sales-a-meta-analysis/
Trustpilot, "The Power of Trust: Consumer Trust in Advertising," https://www.trustpilot.com/resources/the-power-of-trust/
ReviewTrackers, "The Impact of Negative Reviews," https://www.reviewtrackers.com/blog/impact-of-negative-reviews/