While the rise in review websites like Yelp and TripAdvisor have made life easier f
ad width="320" height="250" type="doubleclick" data-slot="/21868623726/site264.tmus/amp2" data-multi-size="320x50,300x250" data-multi-size-validation="false" rtc-config='{"vendors": {"prebidappnexuspsp": {"PLACEMENT_ID": "27198239"}}, "timeoutMillis": 500}'> or users looking to enjoy a nice meal or plan their next getaway–all while saving money, it’s proving to be a headache for small business owners. According to the latest episode of “60 Seconds of Social Media,†32% of online consumers in America trust strangers’ opinions more than brand advertisements.One study found that a one star improvement in a Yelp listing correlated in a 5% increase in a business’ revenue. Its power is undeniable, and it’s that influence that has merchants concerned.
Freshwire CEO Shawn Amos discusses the influence of online reviews–the good, the bad and the ugly: