PCA Articles

The painting contractor industry, like many others, is standing face to face with rising inflation and growing overhead costs.

For some of you, this isn’t your first rodeo. For others, this is your first time working in and through a climate as intense as this. Regardless, painting businesses must find cost-effective strategies for growth.

As we step into 2024, the rules of the game are changing, and your online reputation is more important than ever before. It’s your social currency.

This blog post dives into the impact of customer reviews and word-of-mouth marketing for painting professionals — today. We’ll explore how online reviews, boosting word-of-mouth efforts, and climbing the SEO ladder can make a huge difference.

Let’s dive in.

Trust in Word of Mouth Marketing

Just like any other businesses, painting professionals have relied on traditional marketing strategies. But things have shifted. Customers nowadays trust recommendations from their peers more than branded advertisements. That’s the essence of word of mouth marketing, and it’s incredibly valuable for painting contractors.

The Power of Trust

When a customer recommends your painting services to a friend or family member, it carries a weight that no marketing campaign can match. It implies trust, satisfaction, and a successful outcome. That’s why word of mouth marketing is so valuable – it’s not just about exposure; it’s about credibility.

Influence of Online Reviews

Word of mouth marketing has extended into the digital realm through online reviews. A positive review is the online equivalent of a personal recommendation. In fact, studies show that around 92% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. It’s the power of word of mouth amplified by the reach of the internet.

Increasing Word of Mouth Efforts Through Reviews

To succeed in 2024, painting professionals must actively encourage word of mouth marketing. This can be achieved by leveraging online reviews and prompting satisfied customers to refer other potential clients.

Leveraging Online Reviews

Online reviews are a treasure trove for painting professionals. They provide a(n often free) public platform for customers to share their experiences. Here’s how you can leverage them effectively:

• Claim Your Online Presence: Make sure you have profiles on popular review sites like Google, Facebook, Yelp, and Angi. This makes it easier for customers to find and review your services.
• Respond to Reviews: Engage with your customers by responding to their reviews, even if they’re negative. Acknowledging their feedback shows that you care about their experience.
• Highlight Positive Feedback: Share positive reviews on your website and social media channels. It acts as a testament to your credibility. A time-saving tool like NiceJob completely automates your review collection and automatically turns their praise into social media and website content.

Asking for Referrals

Satisfied customers are more likely to refer their friends and family to your painting business. Here are some strategies to encourage referrals:

• Deliver Outstanding Service: Consistently providing top-notch service increases the likelihood of your customers recommending your services.
• Create a Referral Program: Develop a structured referral program that rewards customers for bringing in new clients. This could be in the form of discounts or other incentives.
• Ask for Referrals: Don’t hesitate to ask happy customers for referrals. A simple request can go a long way in generating word of mouth business.

The Impact of Recent Reviews on Search Engine Rankings

In the digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business, especially local ones like painting contractors. Recent reviews play a vital role in determining your search engine rankings and your chances of landing in the coveted Google 3 Pack.

The Google 3-Pack and its Significance

The Google 3 Pack is a prominent feature on the search engine results page (SERP). It displays the top three local businesses relevant to a user’s search query. Earning a spot in the Google 3 Pack can significantly boost your visibility and credibility, making it a coveted achievement for local businesses.

The Connection Between Reviews and SEO

Search engines like Google consider various factors to rank local businesses, and customer reviews are a crucial component. Here’s how reviews impact your SEO:

• Keyword Relevance: User-generated content, including reviews, often contains keywords related to your services. This helps search engines understand your business’s relevance to specific search queries.
• Fresh Content: Consistent reviews provide fresh content, showing that your business is active and engaged with its customers, which is a positive signal for search engines.
• High Ratings: Positive reviews and high ratings indicate that your services are well-received, boosting your trustworthiness in the eyes of both users and search engines.

So, keep in mind the importance of customer reviews and word-of-mouth marketing in today’s business landscape. Leveraging online reviews, encouraging referrals, and staying active in the digital realm will make a lasting impression on potential paint clients and improve your search engine rankings.

Here’s to a bright end to your year and an even brighter start to a new one!

P.S. Register for a replay of our latest webinar – Fueling Growth with Rave Reviews: Your Path to a Thriving Business. You’ll hear from real small business owners about how this shift in strategy revitalized their marketing efforts, drove remarkable results, and unlocked the potential of online reviews and customer advocacy — and get actionable advice for implementing it yourself.