Review Sites to Get More Reviews for Your Business – Easy guide
Getting Reviews for Your Local Business
If you’re the owner of a local business, it’s crucial to understand the significant impact that customer reviews can have on your online presence. These reviews can either boost or hinder your business’s visibility on the internet. In the context of this guide, we aim to provide you with valuable insights.
We will delve into the world of customer reviews by introducing you to the top 19 review websites. Each of these platforms has its unique strengths and user bases. We’ll help you understand which types of businesses benefit most from each platform and highlight distinctive features that set them apart.
This information will empower you to navigate the world of online reviews effectively, leveraging these platforms to enhance your local business’s reputation and reach.
Why Reviews Matter
Imagine this: more than half of the people looking for local services will visit a place they found online within just two days. And here’s another fact – 70% of folks read several reviews before deciding where to spend their money. They also tend to avoid businesses with less than a 4-star rating. That’s how much influence online reviews have.
For All Types of Local Businesses
Whether you’re running a small local coffee shop or a high-end spa that relies on referrals, these review websites can help you a lot. In this guide, we’ll give you a good look at these websites, who uses them, and what they offer.
A Handy Resource
These websites are like your go-to source for customer reviews. They’re great for finding local businesses, whether you’re in your hometown or exploring a new city. And if you’re a business owner, consider signing up on some of these platforms to use the power of customer reviews to grow your business.
1. Google
When you’re in search of reviews, the first place that likely comes to mind is Google, and for good reason. Google is the world’s most popular search engine, and it’s where a whopping 63% of consumers turn to read reviews. Whether you’re in the market for a local business or an online one, Google is your go-to source.
One of the fantastic things about Google is its versatility. You don’t even need to know the exact business you’re looking for. Just type in the type of business you’re interested in, and presto! You’ll receive a wealth of information, including business locations, star ratings, business details, and much more. Google’s reach spans virtually every corner of the globe.
If you’re a business owner, prioritizing the accumulation of Google reviews should be high on your list. These reviews not only help potential customers discover your business but also play a vital role in boosting your search engine rankings. And the best part? You can benefit from this even if you don’t yet meet the requirements to embed a Google reviews badge on your website.
2. Yelp
Yelp, a powerhouse in the world of online directories, is particularly valuable for local organic searches. It boasts an impressive 265.29 million reviews on its platform, making it one of the most recognized platforms of its kind. Notably, search engines like Bing and Yahoo have even gone so far as to do away with their own review features and incorporate Yelp reviews into their platforms.
Yelp users have several options for how they view reviews, such as sorting them by highest rating or utilizing the unique “Yelp Sort” feature, which arranges reviews based on specific quality factors like relevance and distance. To leave a review, users are required to create a free Yelp account. While there’s no minimum character requirement for Yelp reviews, there is a maximum limit of 5,000 characters. Users are granted a 30-day window during which they can update an old review. Yelp maintains stringent policies to ensure that reviews are genuine and accurately reflect the customer’s experience. Additionally, anyone can report reviews they believe violate these policies.
For business owners, Yelp offers a range of options. They can create free Yelp accounts and update their profiles with contact information, business particulars, and photos. Business owners also have the choice to publicly respond to both positive and negative reviews or handle disputes privately. Yelp’s reporting feature provides valuable data, including the number of reviews received per month and user actions following a visit to the page, such as visiting the business’s website. For businesses that rely on reservations and appointments, Yelp provides a booking option that can be seamlessly integrated into their Yelp page, streamlining the process for customers. There are also paid options available for businesses seeking to enhance their online presence. Advertising campaigns can elevate listings to the top of search results, although they are clearly marked as “Sponsored Results.”
Yelp goes the extra mile by providing a variety of video resources designed to assist business owners in maximizing their use of the platform. These resources cover a range of topics, from how to respond to Yelp reviews to updating one’s profile. They serve as valuable tools for business owners looking to make the most of their Yelp presence.
3. Facebook
Facebook, the reigning champion of social networks, boasts a staggering 3.03 billion monthly active users, solidifying its position as one of the most widely used social media platforms. Initially conceived as a social networking site, Facebook has also become a hotspot for businesses. It presents a wealth of opportunities for direct customer interaction and feedback through features like recommendations, posts, comments, and advertisements.
For business owners, Facebook offers the option to create dedicated pages for their ventures, and this approach to business reviews comes with a unique twist. Unlike other business review websites, only individuals with a Facebook profile can leave reviews. Instead of a conventional rating scale, customers respond to the question, “Do you recommend this business?” Following their recommendation (yes or no), they can supplement it with comments, photos, and even tag the employees they interacted with, provided those employees also have a Facebook page. Interestingly, posts on Facebook have a rather precise character limit of 63,206, and the reasoning behind this specific number remains a mystery.
While virtually any Facebook user can leave a review or comment, it’s not uncommon for businesses to encounter unfounded or peculiar feedback. In such cases, business owners should maintain a professional demeanor, regardless of the review’s absurdity. This is particularly crucial on Facebook because it is a highly public and widely-used network where threaded conversations are commonplace. It’s not out of the ordinary for anonymous Facebook users to side with disgruntled customers during disputes with businesses, so it’s important to prevent these interactions from escalating. Although especially bizarre reviews and comments can be reported, Facebook will only remove them if they blatantly violate their content policy.
Beyond reviews and comments, Facebook offers an array of features beneficial to both small local businesses and large corporations. Business owners can enrich their pages with contact information, lists of services, photos, videos, and more. Facebook even provides tools like appointment booking, direct messaging, and targeted advertisements to help businesses connect with potential customers.
4. Merchant Circle
Merchant Circle serves as a valuable listing site, focusing on aiding potential customers in their quest to discover the best local services by facilitating price quote comparisons for specific services. With a user base of 100 million and approximately 2 million business listings, it has become a significant resource for consumers seeking local options.
Search results on Merchant Circle are organized based on the highest ratings and the most frequently viewed listings, allowing users to quickly identify top choices. Both registered users and non-users have the capability to rate and review businesses. A notable feature is the option for reviewers to send private messages to merchants instead of posting their reviews publicly.
Merchant Circle also offers premium features for businesses, including marketing tools and access to analytical data. Additionally, businesses can claim their listings across various web directories, ensuring a more consistent and streamlined search experience for consumers. This feature contributes to enhanced visibility and accessibility for businesses seeking to reach their target audience.
5. Bing Local
Bing, the second-largest search engine, operates in a manner similar to Google. Businesses have the opportunity to create listings in the local directory, allowing them to appear in local search results. This local directory includes a map feature that displays business locations, mirroring the functionality offered by Google.
6. Capterra
Capterra is a valuable platform designed to assist businesses in discovering the most appropriate software tools to meet their needs. On Capterra, users can access insightful reviews and make feature-by-feature comparisons with alternative software solutions. This helps businesses make informed decisions when selecting software. Users also have the opportunity to provide star ratings for various aspects of the software, including its features, customer service, and usability.
One of the notable advantages of Capterra is its user-friendly interface and straightforward approach to collecting and managing reviews for businesses. By exploring Capterra profiles of different software tools, users can easily gain a comprehensive understanding of each tool’s capabilities and user experiences. It serves as a valuable resource for businesses looking to make informed choices about their software investments.
7. TrustRadius
Trustradius is another platform that specializes in providing software reviews. Users can explore a wide range of reviews that have been submitted to the site, giving them valuable insights into various software solutions. Additionally, users can access detailed business profiles and even compare two different tools side by side to make informed decisions.
One unique feature of Trustradius is the option for users to leave video reviews. This adds an extra dimension to the review process, allowing users to share their experiences in a more visual and interactive manner. The review forms on Trustradius are designed with creative and thoughtful questions, encouraging reviewers to provide detailed and informative responses. This creative approach helps capture in-depth insights and perspectives on software tools, making it a valuable resource for those seeking comprehensive information.
8. Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serves as a trusted platform where business owners can establish and bolster trust and credibility with their customers. This nonprofit organization assesses business operations against a defined set of “best practices,” outlining how businesses should interact with and serve their customers. According to the BBB’s mission, they are dedicated to promoting trust within the marketplace. It’s essential to note that the BBB doesn’t endorse specific businesses or products, and they do not offer any paid advertising options. This commitment to impartiality ensures that information is presented in an unbiased manner.
To have a presence on the BBB, business owners must submit an application. Once the listing is created, owners have the opportunity to claim their business profile and provide additional information about their operations. Businesses can achieve accreditation when their practices align with the standards established by the BBB. As part of this accreditation, businesses receive a rating on a scale from A to F, helping customers assess their trustworthiness.
One notable feature of the BBB is its openness to customer feedback. Any individual can post a review on a BBB page, assigning a rating ranging from one to five stars based on their experience with the business. Importantly, the BBB maintains a transparent record of past complaints and indicates whether these issues have been resolved. These complaints can influence a business’s accreditation status, making the BBB a valuable resource for both business owners and consumers.
9. G2
G2 is a must-know platform for anyone in the tech industry. It stands as one of the most prominent and trusted business review sites in this field. G2’s primary mission is to assist individuals in discovering new software tools that align with their specific needs. Furthermore, it empowers users to share detailed reviews about the tools they have experience with. Please note that only users who are logged in can post reviews on the platform.
G2 reviews are known for their depth, often incorporating a series of questions that provide valuable insights. Have you ever come across website badges boasting titles like “High Performer” or “Top 50”? Well, those badges are typically sourced from G2. Additionally, G2 annually releases a list of the best software tools, serving as a reputable resource for those in search of top-notch solutions.
To uphold and enhance your reputation, consider proactively collecting G2 reviews. It’s a strategic step that can positively impact your standing in the tech industry.
10. Clutch
Clutch is a renowned platform that serves as a comprehensive guide to finding exceptional service providers across a multitude of industries. Whether you’re in search of top-notch software developers, marketing agencies, or business consultants, Clutch offers valuable insights and reviews to help you make informed decisions. With an extensive database of verified client feedback and expert analysis, Clutch ensures that you can connect with reliable and highly-rated companies that can meet your specific needs. Trust Clutch to assist you in finding the perfect partner for your projects and endeavors.
11. GoodFirms
GoodFirms stands out as one of the largest review platforms dedicated to service companies and software products. In addition to offering comprehensive reviews, this website also offers valuable buyer’s guides. These guides are designed to assist individuals in making informed purchase decisions and gaining a deeper understanding of various products.
For businesses, GoodFirms provides the opportunity to have their company listed on their platform. This listing can be an excellent resource for managing reputation and generating leads through your business profile. It’s a multifaceted platform that benefits both consumers and service providers alike.
12. Judy’s Book
Judy’s Book is a valuable resource for individuals seeking information and reviews about various businesses and services. With an extensive database featuring 11 million business listings, 4.5 million reviews, and attracting 1 million monthly page views, it’s a go-to platform for consumers looking to make informed choices.
The platform offers a SocialSearch tool, an internal search engine, to help users discover local businesses effectively. While consumers can access Judy’s Book for free, business owners have the option to claim their listings through paid memberships. These memberships come with benefits like local advertising opportunities and enhanced content features, such as media uploads, search analytics, and keyword insights.
Users, both members, and non-members, can contribute reviews, but non-members cannot edit their reviews after posting. Reviews are based on a thumbs-up or thumbs-down voting system, allowing users to provide more detailed feedback if they choose to do so. Judy’s Book has implemented automatic filters to detect and remove fictitious or spam reviews, ensuring the authenticity of the content.
One distinctive aspect of Judy’s Book is its integration of reviews from other websites into its platform, providing users with a comprehensive overview. Users can create “books” where they list their favorite and least favorite businesses. Since these books are visible to other users, being featured as a favorite can serve as a form of marketing. Additionally, Judy’s Book employs a “kid score” system, rating establishments on a scale of 1 to 100 based on their kid-friendliness.
13. Glassdoor
Glassdoor is the go-to website for individuals in pursuit of new job opportunities. It caters to both employees seeking to rate their employers and job seekers looking to assess potential workplaces. The requirement for user registration helps maintain the authenticity of reviews, minimizing the likelihood of spam or fraudulent feedback.
14. Indeed
Indeed is another valuable resource for individuals seeking information about potential employers. It functions similarly to Glassdoor but provides a review form with more comprehensive questions and user-friendly checkbox options, simplifying the feedback process.
15. SiteJabber
SiteJabber is a conventional review website with a unique twist – it offers a browser extension. This extension displays SiteJabber’s star ratings for businesses directly in Google search results when you look up a specific business.
16. Yahoo! Local Listings
Yahoo Local Listings is another search engine, but it has limited coverage in various parts of the world. Unfortunately, if you’re searching for places in Europe, you may not find much information there. Yahoo Local Listings is not very popular, and as a result, people have not extensively listed their businesses on this platform.
17. Techreviewer
Techreviewer is your go-to platform for impartial and reliable information about technology companies. We provide in-depth evaluations and reviews of tech firms across various industries, helping you find the perfect partner for your tech-related needs. Whether you’re searching for software development, IT consulting, or other tech services, Techreviewer offers valuable insights to guide your decision-making process. Trust us to connect you with the right tech experts who can turn your ideas into reality.
18. Amazon
Amazon, being one of the largest e-commerce platforms globally, unsurprisingly boasts an extensive collection of customer reviews for the products available on its platform. The system is quite straightforward: users have the option to provide both a star rating and a written review based on their experiences with their purchases. It’s a familiar format that many online shoppers are accustomed to.
19. Trustpilot
Trustpilot is undeniably one of the most significant and influential international review platforms. Originating from Denmark, Trustpilot has expanded its reach to become a global review platform, receiving nearly 1 million new reviews each month across over 65 countries. With a monthly visitor count of 45 million, Trustpilot holds a prominent place in the world of online reviews. While Yelp dominates the U.S. market, Trustpilot stands as the leader in Europe. A notable feature of this platform is that it allows businesses to respond to their reviews, providing an opportunity to actively manage and enhance their business’s reputation.
Why You Should Have Online Reviews
Consumers Trust Online Reviews
Online reviews play a critical role in the purchase decisions of consumers, with a whopping 93% of people reading them before making a choice. These reviews, coming from real customers, offer a more genuine and unbiased perspective on a company compared to the company’s own statements. However, it’s important to note that having all-positive reviews can actually raise suspicions. Interestingly, research suggests that an average star rating between 4.2 and 4.5 is considered the ideal range for a business’s reputation.
Having customer reviews associated with your brand significantly boosts its credibility. When potential customers see a brand without any reviews, they might question its legitimacy. It’s natural to wonder why a business has no feedback – perhaps it has no customers? On the flip side, a business with numerous reviews is seen as popular and trustworthy. In fact, businesses with over 200 reviews tend to generate twice as much revenue compared to those with fewer reviews.
Moreover, online reviews contribute to improved search engine rankings. They contain relevant keywords without appearing forced, and when people discuss your brand online, search engines like Google reward you with better visibility.
Positive reviews are also a signal of customer loyalty. While writing one positive review doesn’t necessarily make someone a loyal customer, devoted customers are more inclined to recommend your brand and leave positive reviews. These recommendations, whether online or offline, hold significant weight.
Furthermore, online reviews have a direct impact on conversions. When you display reviews on your website, potential customers feel more confident in their purchase decisions. Imagine encountering a new website with a product you’re interested in. If you see someone endorsing the product, it encourages you to make the purchase. From a business standpoint, this translates to increased conversions and sales. Trustmary’s data shows that featuring reviews can lead to a remarkable increase in purchases, sometimes up to 67%.
FAQ
Where can I find online reviews for businesses?
Online business reviews are everywhere: find the list of 45 sites above!
What are some of the best online review sites?
Google, Facebook, Yelp and TripAdvisor are the most popular online review platforms.
How to find online reviews for local businesses?
Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor are the largest online reviews sites for local businesses. If you are based in the U.S., check out also OpenTable, Citysearch and Yellow Pages.
What are the best B2B and SaaS review sites?
G2, Capterra, TrustRadius, Finances Online and Compare Camp are review sites that you should definitely check out when looking for a new software tool.
How to get online reviews for my own business website?
By using Trustmary’s review software, you can import reviews that you already have on Google, Facebook, Yelp, Capterra, G2, or TripAdvisor to your own website. You can also collect customer reviews yourself and display reviews with dynamic review widgets. You can even get more Google reviews!
Conclusion
The internet is full of websites and platforms where you can find reviews for businesses. With Trustmary, you can import reviews from the most important platforms to your own website. The review widgets help you showcase reviews in a way that does not go unnoticed! And if you need more reviews, just send automated review forms to your customers.
