Let’s assume, for the sake of this post, that you are a business owner or entrepreneur who needs IT help. You might not know a great deal about managed services or technology, but you don’t want to pay too much or find yourself attached to a company that won’t give you the kind of service you deserve. So, you do what anyone would and check the online reviews for potential vendors.
What you’ll quickly learn is that there is a lot of feedback out there, both good and bad. Some of it might seem genuine, while other reviews could appear to be fake or suspicious. How should you know what to look for? For that matter, how do you know which reviewers to believe?
In today’s post, we are going to give you a few tips to help evaluate online reviews for IT firms. Let’s start with something that’s easy to miss.
Follow the Right Guidelines
A certain managed services partner could be great for one company and terrible for another based on differing needs. In other words, what one business owner or executive thinks might not be relevant to you. So before you look at any reviews, you should consider what kinds of services you’re after and which criteria matter most to you in making a decision. Then you can at least have an idea of what you’re looking for.
Look for Specific Feedback
Much of what you find in online reviews will be generic. However, if you look carefully enough you’ll find more specific feedback. These reviews will relate to real-world scenarios and situations that seem like they could apply to your own business. Pay closer attention to these opinions, whether they are positive or negative. Not only are they more likely to be helpful, but most fake reviews are filled with generic bits of praise that can apply to any company or situation.
Make Notes for Follow-up Questions
Most potential clients will simply read a handful of online reviews and move on. We want you to be smarter and better informed. So, as you look through feedback from other business owners or executives, make notes for follow-up questions. That way you won’t forget to ask about any areas of concern or get clarification on points that matter most to you.
Ignore the Outliers
Work with enough people and you’ll undoubtedly discover a few that love everything you do… and a handful who will complain no matter how hard you try to please them. This is something just about every business owner understands, but it’s worth remembering when you look at your online reviews. Don’t dwell too much on the outliers, positive or negative. Instead, pay attention to the overall trends and themes of the online reviews you see.
Want to Work With the Best IT Team in the Business?
If you’re tired of digging through Google results and online reviews, then it might be time to work with a recognized industry leader. Contact the managed services team at Fantastic IT today to set up a free consultation. We’ll ask a few questions, answer any of yours, and see if we are a good fit to work together in the future.