Why You Should Stay Away from Fake Google Reviews?
As a contractor, you know that reviews matter. They can make or break your business. You might have heard that you can buy reviews online or incentivize people for leaving reviews. But did you know that it is illegal and unethical? In this article, we will discuss why you should steer clear of fake Google reviews and financial incentives to gain reviews for your business.
Fake Reviews: Asking family or employees to leave reviews for your business is not ethical. If the relationship between the reviewer and your business is not disclosed, it is illegal. Did you know that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) demands that the relationship between the reviewer and the business must always be declared? So even if your friend or family member writes a review, they must mention their association with your business. Failure to comply can have consequences.
Penalties for Using Fake Reviews: The FTC imposes fines and even imprisonment for individuals using fake reviews. Doesn't it seem too costly to purchase fake reviews when the risks are so high? Utilizing fake reviews not only damages your credibility, but it can also lead to a loss of clients, sales and a hit to your reputation.
What to Do Instead: Instead of risking your reputation and credibility, you should focus on strategies to get genuine reviews. Here are five tips to gain honest reviews for your business: First, ask for your clients' feedback, then make it easy for them to write a review. Second, use an email campaign asking clients to leave a review. Third, include a printed QR code that customers can scan and take to job sites. Fourth, provide a noticeable call-to-action on your website, and lastly, take ownership of negative reviews by responding with empathy, apologies and offers to resolve issues.
Buying fake Google Reviews and financial incentives for leaving reviews are unethical and illegal. With severe penalties imposed by the federal government, it’s not worth the risk, as it can ruin your business' reputation. Instead, focus on strategies like asking clients for feedback, making it easier to leave reviews, email campaigns, printed QR codes, noticeable calls to action on your website and taking ownership of negative reviews. Transparency and honesty are key, and this is the way to gain genuine reviews that genuinely reflect the reputation of your business.
As a contractor, you know that reviews matter. They can make or break your business. You might have heard that you can buy reviews online or incentivize people for leaving reviews. But did you know that it is illegal and unethical? In this article, we will discuss why you should steer clear of fake Google…