The Public Relations Blog

Reviews help your customers make easier and better-informed decisions during the buying process.

When purchasing a product online, you’re likely more inclined to buy the product with five stars versus one star. 

A product with a five-star review has that status for a reason. Whether from quality, popularity, or usability, a stellar review is an appealing tool for customers when deciding what product to buy.

ReviewMaxer improves funnel layout and design options

ReviewMaxer, Axia Public Relations’ online review management software that monitors, collects, and promotes online reviews, now offers additional layout options for the review funnel function. The new design, page header, and brand color options help companies further customize their review funnels.

Why customer reviews on social media are more important than ever

Today, almost everyone has a Facebook account. For companies, this means huge opportunities to connect with audiences, promote products and services, and gain reviews. Facebook’s review system has become a respected source for online reviews over the years. We’ve recently learned that Facebook may have a new rating system in the works that could change the way it calculates review scores. Here’s what we know.

As a public relations firm dedicated to helping companies manage crisis communications, improve their reputations, and manage online reviews, it often surprises us how many of our prospective clients don’t understand the differences between these things. We think it’s important to educate companies about these critical areas of PR. If you don’t know the difference between crisis communications, reputation management, and review management, you’re in luck, as we outline the three below.

3 ways to increase your positive feedback

This past weekend, my husband and I purchased a new car after spending most of the summer visiting various dealerships and test-driving more than a dozen cars. After finalizing the paperwork, our salesman asked us to write a review on Yelp about our experience. Giddy from that new-car smell, my first inclination was, “Sure! I’ll write one.” He then added a request for a five-star review. Were we happy about our car-buying experience? Absolutely. Was this sales team and dealership top-notch? Certainly. Did I appreciate the aggressive solicitation of a five-star review on Yelp? Most definitely not.

Most companies recognize the connection between customer reviews and SEO rankings, which has resulted in many requesting reviews rather than allowing them to populate organically. So how can your company earn customer feedback that savvy review platforms (and complex algorithms) will perceive as genuine rather than solicited?

Instead of fearing the online review site, use it to inspire foresight and increase profits.

In some industries, the mere mention of the word "Yelp" is enough to cause widespread panic. Indeed, online reviews can make or break a business, and Yelp remains one of the most popular review sites. Nevertheless, you don’t need to fear it; you just have to use public relations to maneuver Yelp, and other online review sites like it, to your advantage.

Know the difference and get to work improving your online image.

Maintaining a positive online image for your company is critical for success. How consumers perceive your brand on the internet determines whether they will be your customers. A positive online image also cultivates mutually beneficial relationships with other companies.

Many people use the terms online reputation and online reviews interchangeably. The two terms actually differ in many ways. Find out if it’s your company’s online reputation or online reviews that are stifling your business growth. 

6 ways to make the most of the top job-listing site

A disgruntled employee has written a scathing review on Glassdoor criticizing your company culture. Perhaps a candidate takes to Glassdoor to complain about his treatment by senior executives.

Is there anything you can do to improve your Glassdoor reviews? Look to public relations. 

Take what your customers are saying and use it for search engine success

Online reviews represent the best way for consumers to get honest opinions from real people about products and services they are interested in purchasing. You may also find them helpful as a way to keep your finger on the pulse of what people are saying about your company. What you may not know is that online reviews also provide an ideal search engine optimization (SEO) opportunity.

Most businesses realize how great a role consumer reviews play in business success. Consumer review sites like Angie’s List, TripAdvisor and Yelp have become go-to resources for first-hand experiential feedback.

Therefore, it’s important not to ignore any of them and, more importantly, to regularly monitor them for ultimate success.