Reviews on GoAbroad.com not only have the power to sway the decisions of travelers, but can also strengthen the credibility of program providers. More specifically, reviews on program listings can earn you the trust of those looking for education abroad programs on GoAbroad.com, and encourage users to interact with providers. These reviews can also answer questions that incoming participants may have, putting their concerns to rest.
The elephant in the room? Negative reviews. Your program will not be able to cater to each individual and their expectations, and this shouldn’t scare you! Negative reviews are normal, and they show authenticity of both your program and its reviews. The reality is you’ll have people who love your program and people who don’t. Either way, negative reviews are opportunities to engage with more customers and to build relationships!
Take a look at the 5 ways GoAbroad reviews can get you participants. (And then check out the answers to all your FAQs about GoAbroad reviews.)
5 ways GoAbroad reviews can get you new participants
1. Reviews build trust with the user
Building trust with your audience means you’ll go from feeling unfamiliar to becoming a friend. When a user visits your website for the first time, their skepticism is as thick as that on a first date. In order to bring the user closer to your product, they have to trust you. They want to know what your service will provide for them and that you have a mission that coincides with their own mission and goals.
2. Online reviews influence purchasing
Over 90% of consumers buy a product because of the impact of online reviews. Why? People trust other people’s opinions because they aren’t being paid to say it. They’re users — they’re relatable and have already tried the product you’re interested in. There are no strings attached.
WOM marketing (word of mouth marketing) is one of the most successful forms of marketing. However, WOM can still be costly, because people aren’t naturally motivated to tell other people about your product. Online reviews are your WOM marketing, and they don’t cost you anything.
3. The more that’s written about your company online, the better your SEO
The more online reviews you have, the more your company name will be published online, which means you’ll rank higher on Google. Reviews tell Google that your company is legitimate, and good reviews tell Google that your business is positively affecting users (which helps its ranking as well).
Good and bad reviews create higher traffic for your website, meaning more conversions. Pro tip: Google LOVES conversions because it means you’re answering questions that users are searching for, which is what Google values!
4. People discuss the good and the bad, and even the bad is important
Bad reviews are necessary to showcase that your product is real. The only thing more suspicious than a website with only five star reviews is a website with no reviews. You might be thinking, how can a bad review possibly attract new customers?
First, it shows customers that your product is real and that you aren’t filtering or faking your reviews. Second, it gives you an opportunity to respond (and people will notice). This response can also make a difference and can promote your product. You are able to clarify, solve, and exercise your company voice through your response.
5. People trust and seek unbiased information
A very important lesson to learn is that new users don’t have a reason to trust your business. However, they have a reason to trust the people who have used your product. New customers are looking for honest opinions from people who aren’t connected to your company. Reviews offer honest feedback that is proven to influence the action of a potential customer.
Reviews can also answer users’ questions. For example, a review that says, “I was worried about the accommodation before my program started but it was very comfortable and I felt safe at all times” will majorly boost the confidence of potential participants and give them reason to select your program. Reviewers often answer questions they previously had and most of the time other potential customers will be asking the same questions.
The importance of customer reviews can’t be overstated!
Customer reviews will help your program from every angle. If you aren’t taking advantage of them, they are an awesome way to attract more participants and build trust with users. When a potential participant sees that your program has reviews, they get to know you as a company and gain confidence in your service. Potential participants will sense the authenticity of every review and they will understand that you can’t be liked by everyone.
What are you waiting for! Reach out to your alumni and start building reviews for your programs. This will attract new participants, build your online presence, and attract more people to your programs. Win-win-win!