Marketing Grin - Researchers say online reviews drive consumer spending choices

(

, May 15, 2013 ) London, UK -- A recent study by

shows that business online reputation influences consumer spending habits, proving that a positive web presence is essential to business growth.

The study analysed data in the automotive industry business, looking at the impact of online ratings and a certified dealer program on vehicle sales. Researchers found that dealers with an average rating of four stars or

higher (on a five-star scale) had 21-percent more year-on-year sales than dealers who received two or fewer stars.

Eighty-four percent of Americans acknowledge that online reviews influence their purchase decisions, said Chip Grueter, president at DealerRater. [This study] further validates the importance of online reviews.

According to researchers, study participants who also had online proof of their credibility also saw increased sales. Individuals who had become part of

experienced a 5-percent sales increase over six months (compared with their sales six months before joining). Certified dealers had a year-on-year increase in sales that was 23-percent higher than non-certified dealers.

The study also showed that by posting their information on the website DealRater, participants saw sales go up eight percent. That means the average certified dealer sold an average six more cars a month or 72 cars total in the year after joining the program.

More and more, consumers are looking for information online, said Jack Willis from Marketing Grin, an online marketing firm offering

. That means a healthy online reputation is essential to driving sales and growth. Your business can be strongly impacted positively or negatively by what consumers see online.

According to Mr. Willis, Online reputation is not just for companies who are losing sales due to negative reviews. A good online reputation management includes monitoring what is said about your company online, making sure making sure everything that is said is positive and if any negative comments are found, they are neutralized quickly.

These sorts of activities are essential to establishing a positive online presence, but they can be difficult to do while running a business especially a small business, said Mr. Willis. Online marketing agencies like Marketing Grin can help to make sure businesses have a great reputation online allowing businesses to thrive and sales to increase.

About Marketing Grin:

Marketing Grin is a

and provides companies with strategic online campaigns that complement their existing marketing campaigns. Marketing Grins services include online reputation management, search engine optimization, pay per click management and many more.

To learn more, visit

or call 020 7953 4015.

Marketing Grin

Jack Willis

2079534015

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