The internet is a treasure trove of helpful insights and information. With the Digital Age on a steady incline, consumers routinely use online platforms to gauge the merit of a business. Research shows that 67 percent of customers are influenced by online ratings. With that said, reviews play a pivotal role in a company’s success.

For smaller businesses such as bed and breakfasts, having positive online testimonials is conducive to enduring prosperity. If you’re a bed and breakfast owner who’s yet to wave the coveted “no vacancy” sign out front, consider implementing online reputation management into your operations. Not only is it a savvy business tactic, but it’ll also help keep your establishment sold out as well. Below are a few reasons why bed and breakfast reviews are vital for your success:

1. Builds Credibility

Most people believe what they read on the internet. Whether statements are patently false or have a ring of truth to them, audiences are none the wiser. Once a review has hit the vast digital domain, it leaves an indelible impact in its wake. If your company’s site is riddled with negative feedback, potential customers will write you off as untrustworthy.

Positive ratings, however, have the opposite effect. If glowing testimonials are the first thing a prospective client sees when they search for your company, you’re a shoo-in. Though they don’t know the person who’s left the comment, they believe them wholeheartedly. As a result, they trust you and become more willing to give you their business.

2. Bolsters Reputation

In corporate America, it’s always dog eat dog. The ruthless nature of business demands that companies hold a prestigious status. The moment that unfavorable reviews rear their ugly head, your business will be cast into ill repute. Unfortunately, people are all too eager to disparage a company for presumed incompetence. The most efficient way to combat negative ratings is with positive testimonials.

Fabricating these reviews is ill-advised. Simply reach out to happy clients and ask them to leave a cheery remark. Once you’ve amassed enough glowing reviews, your company’s reputation will soar. Before too long, your bed and breakfast will become synonymous with prestige, and you’ll undoubtedly notice an influx in business.

3. Eclipse Your Competition

Competitiveness runs rampant in the business realm. Companies are invariably trying to get a leg up on the competition, but without solid online reputation management, their efforts are in vain. One surefire way to overshadow your competitors is through the power of online reviews. Consumers often use ratings to compare similar establishments.

If a competitor’s reviews pale in comparison to yours, it bodes well for success. What’s more, if your bed and breakfast is known and applauded for its favorable attributes, you’re the obvious choice. Nothing screams competence quite like having an arsenal of rave reviews to your company’s name. As you begin to eclipse your rivals, your sales will inevitably rise.

4. Drives Business Growth

The power of referrals is not to be underestimated. When word gets out, it spreads like wildfire. Ratings can either make or break your business. In an effort to guarantee that you reign victorious, you’ll want to aim for positive testimonials. If your bed and breakfast is associated with warm sentiments, more people will be keen to enjoy the pleasant experience that so many others have raved about.

As a result, profit will follow. Though you may have put your heart and soul into launching your company, the public is the ultimate judge. As unfair as it may seem, they determine your worth and caliber. If your company is held in high esteem, you have nothing to worry about. In fact, it’ll promote both growth and wealth.

5. Increase Star Rating

These days, merit is expressed in the form of a star. The more stars your business has, the more reputable it is. Though highly sought-after, achieving a five-star rating is no easy feat. However, the more positive online reviews your company has, the better your chances are of obtaining this envied ranking.

With time, your star rating will increase in number. In the hospitality industry, specifically, star ratings go a long way. Not only will you find comfort in having a high rating, but also your consumers will, too. The higher your star rating, the more beds you’ll have occupied.

Does your bed and breakfast need more online reviews? Rize Reviews is an online review tool that makes it easy for bed and breakfasts to build their online reputation and increase business. Start your two-week trial today.