How to Manage Fake, Negative Reviews for Your Products or Services

Data shows that more and more online customers are proving both savvy and cautious when it comes to buying new items. A very high percentage rely on online reviews. Obviously, there is no better trumpet blast than an honest and positive review. So, online entrepreneurs have no reason to be anything but jubilant about them. Right? Well, for the most part, yes. Most reviewers wish to convey their honest opinion, which if positive will only prove to bolster a product and brand. Even an occasional negative review isn’t necessarily bad, as it’s been shown that readers will take the entire context of reviews into consideration. And more readers are likely to assume that the majority of reviews are reliable if at least a percentage is negative. That said, there are instances of blatant fakes that are negative, because an unhappy employee, customer or competitor elects the low road. Fight this unfair practice with patience and logic. Do not sell at sites that allow product reviews from unauthorized or acknowledged buyers. Respond on behalf of your product, with courtesy, to every single negative review. Even if the poster remains unmoved, other readers will care. Apologize where warranted and politely point out fallacies where noted. If possible, arm yourself with data about the negative posters. Offer your own positive data for perusal. A great choice is to utilize CSAT surveys from “Delighted.”

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t treat online reviews as data, but conduct customer satisfaction surveys for business insights.
• Don’t sell products on sites that allow people to write reviews without making purchases.
• Respond to all negative reviews, and point out inconsistencies and errors in them.

“If you’re dealing with an influx of unfounded negative reviews, or even just a few here and there, here’s how to make sure fake reviews don’t ruin your business.”

Read more: https://smallbiztrends.com/2021/12/managing-fake-negative-reviews.html