The other day, while discussing Google Places, we had a client ask just how important online reviews are for his local business. I have seen statistics that say they are important and it is logical that opinions are showing up everywhere on the net: from news media, social media to numerous review sites.

Since you may have the same question for you local business I want to share the information this solid information I found from Nielson Wire.

“According to Nielsen’s latest Global Trust in Advertising report, which surveyed more than 28,000 Internet respondents in 56 countries, 92 percent of consumers around the world say they trust earned media, such as recommendations from friends and family, above all other forms of advertising—an increase of 18 percent since 2007. Online consumer reviews are the second most trusted source of brand information and messaging, with 70 percent of global consumers surveyed online indicating they trust messages on this platform, an increase of 15 percent in four years.” Read More→