In a recent study Nielsen surveyed over 25,000 internet consumers over 50 countries in April 2009. The study found that 90% of consumers trust the opinions of friends that they know and 70% trust the opinions of customers that left an online review..
90% Trust recommendations from People They Know
70% Trust Online Reviews (consumer opinions online)
What can we take away from this? Word of mouth is still the most effective method of advertising. Online Reviews is becoming Word of Mouth on steriods. There can be a very strong argument that can said of online reviews are now the most important method of “trusted” advertising because of it’s reach and permanence.
What do you think? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
