The era of traditional marketing tactics is almost over. The traditional tools that marketers prefered to use like television, print, and radio ads, have become too expensive and difficult to measure. Businesses are now looking for alternatives that can give them better visibility and lead to more customers. One tool that businesses are increasingly turning to is user-generated content (UGC).
User-generated content is content that is created by customers rather than businesses. This can include customer reviews, testimonials, photos, videos, blog posts, and social media updates. This content can be shared on a variety of platforms including social media, online forums, and e-commerce sites like BigCommerce, which offers businesses a platform to create, design, and manage their online store and customer reviews.
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The Power of Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are one of the most powerful forms of UGC. In fact, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. This makes it incredibly important for businesses to have a good online reputation and to manage their customer reviews effectively on their e-commerce platform.
Through BigCommerce, businesses have the ability to collect and display customer reviews on their website. These reviews can help potential customers make a more informed decision when considering a purchase. They can provide valuable insights into the quality of a product or service, and the customer service offered by the business.
How BigCommerce Reviews Work
BigCommerce has an integrated review system that allows customers to write and submit reviews directly on a business’s product page. Once submitted, the review is moderated by the business owner who has the ability to approve or reject the review based on its content. This ensures that only relevant and appropriate reviews are displayed on the product page.
The review system also allows for star ratings and the ability to leave comments, both of which can be incredibly valuable for businesses. Star ratings provide a quick snapshot of a product’s quality, while comments can offer more detailed feedback that can be used to improve products or services.
Using Customer Reviews As A Marketing Tool
Customer reviews can be a powerful marketing tool for any business. They not only provide valuable feedback on products or services, but they can also be used to promote the business. Below are some ways that businesses can use customer reviews as a marketing tool:
Social Proof
Customer reviews can be used as social proof, which shows potential customers that other people have purchased and enjoyed a certain product or service. This can help to build trust in the brand and encourage more sales.
User-Generated Content
Customer reviews can also be used as UGC, which can be shared on social media, on the business’s website, or in advertising. This content can be incredibly powerful in promoting a business’s products or services.
SEO
Customer reviews can also help to improve a business’s search engine rankings. This is because search engines such as Google view customer reviews as fresh and relevant content, which can be used to improve the search engine optimization (SEO) of a business’s website.
Feedback and Improvement
Customer reviews can also provide valuable feedback that can be used to improve products or services. By analyzing customer reviews, businesses can identify areas that need improvement and make changes accordingly.
Best Practices for Managing Customer Reviews
Managing customer reviews effectively is crucial if businesses want to use them as a marketing tool. Here are some best practices for managing customer reviews on BigCommerce:
Respond to Reviews
Responding to customer reviews is important as it shows that the business cares about its customers and values their feedback. This can help to build trust and loyalty in the brand.
Monitor Reviews Regularly
It’s important to monitor customer reviews regularly to ensure that they are appropriate and relevant. This can help prevent negative reviews from being displayed on the product page.
Promote Positive Reviews
Promoting positive reviews can help to build trust in the brand and encourage more sales. Businesses can promote positive reviews by sharing them on social media or on their website.
Address Negative Reviews
Addressing negative reviews is important as it can help to resolve any issues and prevent other customers from having the same negative experience. Businesses can address negative reviews by responding to them publicly or privately via email.
Conclusion
In conclusion, customer reviews are a powerful marketing tool that can be used by businesses on their BigCommerce platform. They not only provide valuable feedback on products or services, but they also help to build trust in the brand and encourage more sales. By managing customer reviews effectively, businesses can use them to their advantage and improve their online reputation.