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By Markskrill February 5, 2025
G'day, mates! Let's talk about those pesky negative business reviews. They can be a real pain in the backside, can't they? It’s completely normal to feel a bit miffed when one pops up, but don't you worry. We're here to help you deal with them like a pro, turning a potential disaster into a win for your business. Ignoring a negative review is like leaving a festering wound; it only gets worse. A smart, timely response can actually boost your reputation and show other potential customers you’re a business that genuinely cares. The golden rules of responding So, when a less-than-stellar review lands, here’s your Markskrill playbook: Don't panic, stay objective: First things first, don't take it personally. It's not about you; it's about their experience. Even the best businesses cop a bit of flak from time to time. Respond swiftly and sincerely: The quicker you respond, the better. Apologise genuinely for any inconvenience caused, even if you think it's not your fault. A little empathy goes a long way. Be polite and professional: Keep your cool. No getting defensive, no arguments. Your response is a public display of your professionalism. Address the customer respectfully and politely. Listen, then take it offline: Listen to their feedback. If there's an issue to solve, offer to take the conversation offline (e.g., "We'd like to make this right; please contact us directly"). This shows you're proactive without airing dirty laundry in public. Learn from every stumble: Don't just sweep it under the rug. Use negative reviews as a cracking opportunity to improve your business processes. They're a free lesson, mate! Why your response matters A well-crafted response isn't just about fixing a problem; it's about building trust with every single customer who reads it – including potential new ones. It transforms a complaint into a testament to your customer service.  Feeling like dealing with negative reviews is a bigger headache than you can handle? Our Same Day Review Replying service, packaged with our powerful Review Manager product, is designed to help your business turn those frowns upside down and keep those customers singing your praises in no time!
It shows how to generate reviews for your local business.
By Markskrill January 20, 2025
G'day, small business legends! In today's digital landscape, online reviews are like gold dust for your local business. They're that crucial social proof that can seriously make or break how potential customers see you. When someone's looking for a new restaurant or a trusted tradie, what's the first thing they do?  They check the reviews, right? So, getting those reviews rolling in is absolutely vital for building trust and attracting new customers. Why reviews are your local gold dust Reviews aren't just polite compliments; they're powerful endorsements from real customers. They act as unbiased testimonials that help folks make decisions. A strong collection of positive reviews can: Boost your credibility: Show you're a trustworthy and reliable business. Influence purchasing decisions: People trust what others say more than what a business says about itself. Improve local search ranking: More reviews (and responses!) can help you rank higher in local search results. Provide valuable feedback: Even critical reviews offer insights for improvement. The good oil: how to score more reviews So, how do you get those reviews rolling in? It’s simpler than you might think: Just ask, mate! Don't be shy. If your happy customers feel like leaving a review, ask them! This can be done in person, via email, or as a follow-up message after a service. Make it breezy: The easier you make it for them to leave a review, the more likely they are to do it. Provide direct links to your Google Business Profile or Facebook Page to simplify the process. Consider a small incentive (ethically): Sometimes, a small discount or a freebie can give folks that little nudge. Just ensure it's ethical and not a bribe for a positive review. Respond to every review: Whether it's good or bad, responding shows you care about your customers and are serious about building trust. It reinforces your brand's commitment to service. Keep it consistent: Don't just ask for reviews once and then forget about it. Make it a regular part of your customer interaction process. A few extra tips for a fair go Don't just ask for positive reviews: It's not fair to your customers, and it can actually damage your reputation. Embrace all feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be patient: It takes time to build a solid collection of reviews. Consistency and patience will win out. Want to take the guesswork out of getting and managing your online reviews? Our Same Day Review Replying service, packaged with our powerful Review Manager product, can help your local business master its online reputation and generate those gold-dust reviews.