Online Reviews vs Testimonials What’s the Difference and Why Use Both
Have you ever been curious about the difference between online reviews and testimonials? They might seem pretty similar at first, but there are some key differences—and both can be really helpful for your business. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.First, online reviews usually show up on third-party websites like Google, Yelp, Facebook, or even places like TripAdvisor. These platforms let customers share their honest opinions about a business—whether good, bad, or somewhere in between. The great thing about online reviews is that people trust them because they're public and can’t be edited by the business. This means other potential customers tend to see them as more “real.” If you’re looking to build more of these for your business, a tool like https://reputationbuilder.us can help you get started.
Testimonials, on the other hand, are usually collected by the business itself. They’re often displayed on the company’s website or brochures. These often highlight the positive experiences of happy customers. Because the business collects them directly, they get to pick which comments to share. It’s a way for businesses to show how they’ve helped people in the past and build trust with new customers.
So, why use both?
Well, think of it this way: testimonials are like carefully chosen success stories. They show your best side and what you hope everyone will experience when they work with you. Online reviews, even though they can be mixed, offer a fuller picture of what customers really think. Having both helps your business look honest and trustworthy.
If someone lands on your website and sees great testimonials, that’s a good start. But if they also check Google and see recent, positive online reviews, it adds another layer of confidence. They’ll feel more sure about choosing your business.
Using both online reviews and testimonials means you can tell your story while also letting your customers speak for you. And in today’s digital world, hearing real experiences from real people can often make all the difference when someone’s trying to decide who to work with.
In short, online reviews and testimonials each bring something valuable to the table. By making space for both, you give people many good reasons to trust and choose you.