Did you know there are over one million restaurants currently operating in the United States? That’s a lot of competition!
If you want to stand out from the crowd and make sure your restaurant is the one that customers choose when planning a night out, you’ll need to put in some effort. Having an amazing website is a great start, but, unfortunately, that’s not enough.
Restaurants that understand the importance of good reviews will outpace their competitors every time. Not convinced? Take a look at these five important facts you need to know.
1. People Love to Read Reviews (And They Trust Them)
If you’re not sure about the importance of good restaurant reviews, this statistic should change your mind. Studies show that a shocking 90% of people read customer reviews before visiting a business.
Not only that, but a full 84% say that they trust the reviews they read just as much as a personal recommendation from a friend or family member.
2. Reviews Make Your Restaurant More Visible
Most customers who want to try out a new restaurant will head over to Google, Yelp, or even Facebook for some ideas. If you have a steady pipeline of positive reviews coming in, the algorithms will favor your listing, making it more likely that people will see it.
3. They Offer Social Proof
Social proof is a phenomenon that occurs when the actions of others around us influence our decisions. When your restaurant has a ton of five-star ratings and raving reviews, people won’t want to miss out on the experience.
Seeing that other peers are raving about a restaurant makes potential customers feel like they want to join in on the trend too.
4. Great Reviews Increase Sales
Perhaps the most distinguishing fact when it comes to the importance of reviews for restaurants is simply that it will increase your bottom line.
A study by Harvard Business School found that a one-star increase on your Yelp rating can lead to a 5 to 9% increase in your restaurant’s revenue.
5. They Help Personalize Your Business
Online reviews also give you a public, open forum to communicate with your customers. The importance of testimonials is that it shows potential customers what they can expect from your restaurant. But that’s not it.
Make sure you respond to every comment you receive. This shows that there’s a real person behind your brand, which makes it more likely that customers will want to support your business. Even if you get a negative review, taking the time to respond and make things right can paint your restaurant in a positive light.
Experience the Importance of Good Reviews for Yourself
Now that we’ve discussed the importance of good reviews, you’re probably ready to start enjoying the benefits. We can help!
Learn more about our online reputation management system and how it can help you grow your restaurant business. Then, contact us to get started!