Deep Dive: Online Reviews for Shed Businesses

In the shed business, you’re not just selling structures; you’re transforming houses into homes. Each shed you provide helps clients organize, customize, and enhance their living spaces. However, succeeding in this industry goes beyond the quality of your products or the appeal of your online shed photos. The opinions of those who have experienced your sheds and services can significantly impact your business.

In a survey conducted by Bizrate Insights in 2021, 91% of people stated that they read at least one review before making a purchase decision on a product, business, or service. Moreover, 12% of respondents mentioned that they go a step further and read more than 10 reviews.

When customers are in the market for a shed, they heavily rely on the shared experiences of others to find a trustworthy and dependable shed company. With a plethora of options available, consumers seek out companies that offer not only top-notch sheds but also exceptional customer service. In this article, we’ll delve into how shed buyers use online reviews to make informed decisions and choose the best company to fulfill their needs.

Factors that influence shed buyers’ decisions

Authentic Customer Feedback: Reviews provide authentic, unbiased feedback from actual customers who have experienced the product and service firsthand. Buyers trust these reviews more than marketing messages since they reflect real experiences.

Product Quality and Durability: Shed buyers want to ensure that they are investing in a high-quality, durable product. They look for reviews that mention the shed’s sturdiness, material quality, and resistance to weather conditions.

Customization and Design Options: Sheds often serve specific purposes, and buyers want to know if a company offers customization options to meet their unique needs. Reviews often highlight whether a shed company provides a wide range of design choices and customization features.

Customer Service Experience: Exceptional customer service is crucial for any business. Reviews mentioning positive interactions with the shed company’s staff, timely responses, and efficient problem-solving reassure potential buyers about the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

Delivery and Installation Process: Reviews often include details about the delivery and installation experiences. Shed buyers want to know if the company delivers on time, handles the installation professionally, and addresses any issues promptly.

Value for Money: Shed buyers seek reviews that discuss whether the product offered good value for the price paid. Positive reviews about a shed’s features, quality, and long-term durability often sway potential customers.

Comparative Analysis: Consumers frequently compare different shed companies and their products. They assess the pros and cons mentioned in various reviews to determine which company aligns best with their requirements.

Addressing Concerns and Negatives: Potential buyers pay attention to negative reviews as well. They want to see how the company responds to criticism and addresses customer concerns. A company that acknowledges and attempts to resolve issues gains trust.

Overall Reputation: Consistency matters. Shed buyers look for patterns in reviews to assess the overall reputation of a company. Numerous positive reviews can establish the credibility and reliability of the business.

When should you ask customers for reviews?

The notion of asking for reviews “as soon as possible” is likely common among many, including you, the reader of this article. This approach seems entirely logical. Waiting too long to request a review runs the risk of customers forgetting about your product or their experience with your delivery process. Thus, timely review requests increase the likelihood of capturing valuable feedback while it’s still fresh in their memory.

However, recent findings suggest that exercising patience can lead to more favorable outcomes. According to a report shared by Thomas McKinlay, waiting at least 10 days before asking customers for reviews has proven to be a more effective strategy. The evidence comes from two separate experiments—one conducted for a South Korean travel company and the other for a major apparel marketplace. The results were both surprising and enlightening.

• In the case of the South Korean travel company, asking for reviews after 13 days led to a remarkable 68% increase in the number of reviews received.
• Similarly, the major apparel marketplace experienced a 39% boost in reviews when they requested feedback after 14 days. Strikingly, asking for reviews immediately after the purchase actually had an adverse effect, leading to a reduction in the number of reviews received.

So, why does waiting work? When customers are reminded too soon to write a review, it may not provide them with enough time to fully reflect on their experience with the product or service. By waiting, we allow them the opportunity to gather their thoughts, revisit their impressions, and evaluate the entire experience. This leads to more thoughtful and comprehensive reviews, which are invaluable for businesses and future customers alike.

Moreover, giving customers time to complete the task without feeling pressured ensures that their feedback is authentic and not driven by a sense of urgency. When individuals feel at ease and unburdened by time constraints, they are more likely to provide genuine, candid opinions about their interactions with the company.

Review Platform of Choice: Google Business Listing

Drawing from our experience, we confidently recommendGoogle Business Listing as the top review platform for every shed business. This free tool provided by Google enables businesses to manage their online presence seamlessly. By setting up a verified business account on Google, your website, business name, contact information, opening hours, and precise location will be neatly compiled into your search listing.

One of the most compelling features of Google My Business is its integration of customer reviews. Anyone searching for your shed business on Google will automatically access all pertinent details along with the valuable reviews left by previous customers. This instant insight into your reputation can be the deciding factor that propels potential customers to click on your website link or dial your contact number.

Beyond the customer convenience factor, Google utilizes reviews as a significant ranking factor in its search algorithm. Businesses with a multitude of positive reviews are more likely to secure higher positions in search results. The higher your ranking, the more visible your shed business becomes, leading to increased traffic and potentially more sales.

TL;DR

• Online reviews are crucial for informed shed buying decisions.
• Allowing time for customers to experience the product enhances the chance of better reviews.
• Google Business Listing is ShedPro’s recommended review platform for shed businesses, offering seamless online presence management and enhanced search rankings.

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Special Note:

Google Business Listing is one of the items in ShedPro’s Digital Marketing Starter Kit for Shed Businesses which will be released in just 2 weeks. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook & LInkedIn to to stay updated.

If you want to learn more about how to improve your online presence, schedule a meeting with us today!

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