Online reviews are very important for businesses doing tree services, decks and railings, fences and patio coverings.  They are the new the “word-of-mouth” referrals.  Potential customers seek out online reviews to help in making their purchasing decisions.  So, how should you manage your online reviews?

The first step is to find out the Internet websites where you potential and current customers maybe looking at reviews and writing reviews.  There are a number of websites.  There are some general ones like Yelp, Facebook and Google.  They are some industry specific ones like for the home services industries at Angie’s List, Home Adviser and Thumbtack.  If you aren’t sure, do a Google search for your industry and reviews and see what websites come up.

Next, you need to claim your profile if you aren’t have reviews.  Each review website is different but they will have a process.  If you don’t have a profile, you need to create one.  Again, each website will have a process.

Then, once you have your profile, there will be different ways to monitor and respond to reviews.  The review website may send you an email notification when a new review is posted.  Or, they may have a smartphone app.  Either way, these are great ways to stay up to date on your online reviews.

To summarize, you can manage your online reviews by claiming or creating your profiles on review websites and then getting notifications about new reviews.