Reviews are like gold for small business owners – they help convince potential customers, they’re a valuable source of marketing insight and they can help your SEO rankings. Research shows that 98% of Australian consumers check reviews before they buy a product, so it’s worth making an effort to cultivate them. Basically, the more reviews you can pull in, the better.
But how do you get your business onto the right review sites, encourage customers to leave reviews and deal with any negativity that comes your way?
This guide is designed to help Australian SMBs manage their reviews effectively, including:
- Review sites – picking the best review sites for your sector
- Profiles – setting up business profiles on review sites
- Review generation – how to encourage customers to leave reviews
- Leveraging reviews – using positive reviews in your marketing
- Minimising negativity – responding to and learning from negative reviews.
RELATED: How to get and respond to reviews online.
Customers will find a way to review your business whether you like it or not. Why not find a way to turn those reviews into a positive? Our free eBook gets you started.
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FAQs for online review sites.
What is the best online review site?
That depends on your industry. Google Business Profile is a must for local search, but there are other platforms better suited to trades, hospitality and B2B services. Our eBook breaks down the top review sites by sector so you can choose the right ones for your business.
How do online reviews work?
Customers leave ratings and feedback on platforms like Google or Yellow Pages, often after a service or purchase. These reviews influence visibility and reputation—sometimes before a customer even visits your website. We cover how to manage, respond to and make the most of them inside the guide.
What are the downsides of online review sites?
Negative reviews, fake comments or platform limitations can all be tricky to navigate. But with the right response strategy, even criticism can be turned into a strength. We explain how in the eBook.
Do customers actually care about reviews?
Yes—nearly every Australian checks reviews before buying. They’re a key influence on decision-making, so it pays to invest in your review strategy. Download the eBook to learn how.
Can online reviews be trusted?
Many can—but not all. That’s why it’s essential to build trust with consistent, authentic reviews and respond professionally.
RELATED: What to do if you get a fake online review for your business.
