How important are website reviews?
13th November 2014
Since Ebay was launched to the public on 21st September 1998 their feedback score system played a major part in their credibility, reliability and ultimately their success. Several years later people introduced ‘Testimonials’ as pages, banners or sections on their websites, although this was a good and positive step forward the wording was simply text and its authenticity was questionable.
Facebook was founded on 4th February 2004, by Mark Zuckerberg. Facebooks incredible success soon grabbed the attention of business owners with the scope to reach out to large numbers of people, business pages were introduced in May 2009. Late 2013 Facebook rolled out their own page review system. Facebooks reviews can be left by anyone with a Facebook account, leaving the credibility open to debate.
TrustPilot is currently one of the preferred automatic unbiased review platforms, and is used by HFE Signs. TrustPilot was founded in Denmark in 2007 by Peter Holten Mühlmann and offers a completely automatic and fair system whereby confirmed purchasers are invited to review following a purchase. When the review is labelled as ‘Review by confirmed purchaser’, the reviewer is invited to review following either an online purchase or an invitation by the company following an order. Other platforms are available offering similar services, including TrustedShops & Reviews.co.uk. Most review services offer website integration widgets to display a box or a banner that is automatically updated on your website with a date stamp.
The importance of website reviews, do you need them? I personally think reviews and recommendations are a crucial part of a business website nowadays and displaying banners or widgets on your site really is important. As a buyer it’s equally important to understand the authenticity of the reviews and be sure they are confirmed reviews and genuine. It’s vital to do the research and satisfy yourself the banners and displays on the website are authentic.
