Improve your online reputation with Mimi's Local Search and Review Management

By Jim Marshall, President of Bluefoot Digital Marketing

As my wife and I tossed around gift ideas for Christmas, we found ourselves uttering a recurring phrase: “It’s got great reviews.”

Planning our family vacation, we used the same phrase as we searched vacation rentals, and once on vacation, we said it repeatedly as we frantically searched for a place to eat while our four kids were screaming, “We’re starving!”

Ten years ago if I wanted to know what to buy, where to stay, or where to eat, I’d ask for a recommendation from a trusted friend with similar tastes, but not today. According to BIA/Kelsey, 97% of people read online reviews, and 91% trust online reviews as much as they do a personal recommendation. Even I admit that there have been times when a friend has made a recommendation, but I declined their advice based on opposing online reviews.

Today, reviews influence nearly every buying decision we make, and evolving technology now allows us simply to say, “Hey, Siri, find me a good Italian restaurant.” Our iPhone responds with a list of Italian restaurants sorted based on—you guessed it—online reviews.

More recently, my wife took the time to leave several product reviews on Amazon and was surprised by how easy it was. Not only is technology making online reviews ubiquitous, it’s also making it easier for consumers to leave reviews about everything.

If you’re a business owner, your online reputation can dictate the success or failure of your business. This is why Mimi and I have spent several years developing our new Local Search and Review Management solution for local businesses. These new services can improve your rankings on Google, and empower you to monitor your online reputation and solicit more positive reviews—legitimately.

It’s easy and affordable. We do all the work so your business can look good and get found online.

For more information about Mimi’s Local Search and Review Management tools, please contact her offices at 330-220-8610 or email Mimi@MimiVanderhaven.com.