Using Review Sites to Promote Your Bar

There are a number of review sites that your customers may turn to in their search for the best bar in town. The direction of the reviews can affect your business for good or bad. This doesn’t mean, however, that negative words should signal the end of business; handled appropriately, even less-than-stellar reviews can work in your favor. Use the following tips to put review sites to work for your success:

Take Control of Your Listing

Embrace the opportunity to get the name of your bar into the minds of potential customers. Your establishment may already be listed on several review sites. Claim your listing and double check all of the facts. Make sure that your address, contact information, and hours are listing correctly. By claiming your listing, you have the chance to correct any mistakes and keep your information current.

Show Off Your Business

When potential customers go the review site, they will naturally be drawn to those businesses with more information. After claiming your listing, use it to add extra features. Most review sites won’t charge you any extra fees in order to add information. You can use the site to showcase:

Photos of your bar

Maps of the neighborhood

Directions to your establishment

Promotions you are running

Convenience of self service dinning with digital menus

Make sure the information you add matches your establishment. Managing your online reputation is just as important as running an actual establishment.

Check Back Often

Take control of your listing is just the first step. If you never return to the site, the listing won’t be as successful as it could be. You will want to keep an eye on the reviews in order to respond to them. Hopefully, you will have customers leaving plenty of reviews. It is important to respond as quickly as possible. Timely interaction with customers, both pleased and disappointed, is a good way to strengthen your rapport with the community. The feedback left by customers will help you to understand what is working and what needs to be changed.

Respond to Negative Reviews – Wisely

Some business owners have the idea that they should not respond to reviews. However, remaining

silent can be a big mistake! For the best results, you need to stay active on all of your review sites. Just be careful to maintain a positive presence there. No matter how bad the reviews get, you need to be sure that you stay positive. If you respond angrily or with sarcasm, you might even upset previously satisfied customers. Resist any impulses to use spite, anger, or nasty responses. When you remain polite and positive, especially in the face of really offensive reviews, you’ll leave a polished and helpful view of your bar. Other customers who visit the site to choose a good bar will find that you care about the opinions of your customers and that you appreciate their insights.

Share Your Success

Review sites can present some sticky situations and may intimidate you, but they don’t have to spell bad news for your bar. With active presence and careful responses, when necessary, you can create a positive vibe around your business and show off your best side. Have you ever responded well to a negative review? Share your tactics with other business owners.