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Let’s talk about something that’s often overlooked but incredibly powerful: leaving online reviews for the small businesses you love. Now, more than ever, these reviews are essential to helping small businesses thrive. In fact, according to Qualtrics, 93% of customers read online reviews before making a purchase. That’s right—nearly everyone relies on reviews before clicking “buy.”
When potential customers can’t physically hold or test out a product, they turn to testimonials from people like you to guide their decision. Your review could be the reason someone buys their next favorite cookie cutter, cozy sweater, or must-have subscription box. A few thoughtful words can make a world of difference for both the business and the customer.
The Challenge: Finding the Time
We’re all busy, and let’s be real—writing reviews can feel like just one more task on the to-do list. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Writing a review doesn’t need to be time-consuming or stressful. It can be as quick and simple as answering a few key questions:
Why did you buy the product?
Did it meet your expectations?
How was the overall purchase experience (checkout, shipping, communication)?
What did you love most about the product?
Any areas for improvement?
Would you recommend this product to others?
Even just a few sentences can have a huge impact. In less than five minutes, you could help a small business grow and help your fellow shoppers make informed decisions.
Two Key Rules for Writing Great Reviews
While writing reviews is simple, there are two golden rules to keep in mind:
Be Honest. Not every purchase will deserve a glowing five-star review—and that’s okay! Shoppers can tell when a review isn’t genuine, and an insincere review can actually backfire. Reviews aren’t just about sharing your happiness with a product; they’re about giving potential buyers an honest assessment of whether a product is right for them. Maybe you didn’t love a particular feature, but another customer might see it as the exact reason to make the purchase.
Handle Complaints Privately First. If something went wrong with your order, reach out to the seller privately before leaving a review. Small businesses are often more than willing to correct an issue, and many problems—like a product damaged during shipping—are one-time situations that can easily be fixed. Give the seller a chance to make things right before sharing negative feedback publicly.
Why This Matters to Small Businesses
As a small business owner myself, I can’t stress enough how important each review is. Every review I receive not only helps me reach new customers, but it also gives me insights into what’s working well and where I can improve. Running a small business is a journey, and reviews are a vital part of that growth.
I’ll admit, I didn’t always take the time to write reviews myself. But as a business owner, I’ve realized just how crucial they are, so now I make a conscious effort to leave thoughtful reviews for my fellow small business owners. I’ve even made it a habit to write a few reviews each week and share them on social media to spread the love.
Want to check out some of the reviews I’ve written? Head over to my Instagram, @bakersbusinesslab, and check out the “Reviews” highlight. I’ll also be sharing some of the amazing reviews you write, so don’t forget to tag me!
Now It’s Your Turn!
If you’ve purchased something from a small business recently (or even a while ago), go write that review! Seriously, it’ll take just five minutes, and you’ll be helping out in a big way.
Want to take it a step further? Share your review online! Tag the small business and @bakersbusinesslab so we can give you a shoutout and keep the positive vibes going.
And if you’re a small business owner, don’t be shy—reach out to your customers and ask for their reviews. It’s one of the best ways to grow and improve.
So, whether you’re writing, reading, or requesting reviews, know that you’re making a difference for small businesses everywhere. And we’re here for it!
Happy reviewing and supporting your favorite small businesses! 🌟
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