Podium, a leading provider of reputation management solutions for local businesses, has today announced the imminent launch of “Review Response Suggestions”, a feature designed to help Australian local businesses manage their online reputation effectively. The cutting-edge feature, powered by revolutionary tool ChatGPT, utilises the power of AI technology to generate review response suggestions, making it quick, easy and convenient for local businesses to stay on top of their online reviews and respond to customers in a timely and professional manner.
The integration comes not only as businesses continue to investigate tangible ways of building Artificial Intelligence into their operations, but as Google Reviews grow in influence. According to Podium research, 84% of Aussies are influenced by Google Reviews when choosing a business. What’s more, 51% say that a business’ responses to reviews have changed their perspective on the business and 46% are more likely to look at a local business’s Google listing before visiting than pre-Covid. And amongst local businesses, 45% say that online reviews are “very important” to their business’ success.
Podium’s “Review Response Suggestions” feature offers Australian businesses an effective and efficient way to respond to online reviews in context. The feature generates customised response suggestions that businesses can quickly edit and personalise to their satisfaction. It supports Google and will be followed by Facebook reviews, allowing businesses to respond to customer feedback across multiple platforms.
“As a business owner myself, I understand how crucial online reputation management is to local businesses in Australia,” said Eric Rea, CEO of Podium. “That’s why we’re excited to launch our new ‘Review Response Suggestions’ feature, which will make it easier for businesses to manage their online reputation. Online reviews have never been more influential, but as a business owner staying on top of them – good or bad – can be a daunting and time-consuming task.
“Our integration with ChatGPT is designed to unburden local businesses – from dentists and retailers to tradies and mechanics – enabling them to manage their online reputation more efficiently and spend more time working on meaningful, face-to-face or revenue-generating tasks.”
Podium’s “Review Response Suggestions” feature has been designed to provide high-quality review response recommendations, with a focus on responding in the context of the review. By responding promptly and professionally to reviews – whether positive, negative or neutral – businesses can build trust with their customers, which leads to greater brand loyalty and improved customer retention.
“We’re proud to offer a solution that helps local businesses in Australia manage their online reputation in a simple and useful way,” Rea continued. “Our feature provides businesses with the tools they need to respond to customer reviews with confidence, while saving them valuable time and effort. As technology and the needs of local business evolve, so too must Podium. This is the latest example of our dedication to innovation, R&D and providing the tools our customers need to meet and exceed the needs of their customers.”
Rebecca Browne, Marketing and Brand Manager, at Phil Gilbert Motor Group, commented: “Since we started using Podium four years ago, we have constantly seen the platform grow and offer us new enhancements which have always been beneficial to our Dealership. The latest one of these developments, the ChatGPT integration with ‘Reviews’, has been one of the most significant. The AI Assistants suggestions are incredible. Given the vast amount of data we’ve generated by using Podium over the years, the tone and language suggested for the review replies are so consistent to what I would write myself, it’s like I am watching my thoughts type before my eyes! I actually feel the quality of the review replies are more diverse and there would be no way for people researching our business online to know that the feedback to our guests was generated by AI.”
Cameron Mackay, Director at Plumbcall Australia, added: “It’s great, it takes the guesswork out of responding to reviews and is far more efficient. Gone are the days of finding the time to respond to all our recent reviews individually, which on average would take us 20 minutes. With this feature it now takes me one minute. It’s a really valuable new feature from Podium.”
Marcus Tomczak, GM of Marketing at car dealership Rex Gorell commented: “Since getting access to the new Review Response Suggestion feature, we’ve been using it almost daily. It’s been fantastic to respond promptly and professionally to our reviews through the power of Chat GPT. We’re extremely pleased with where it’s going and look forward to seeing more exciting releases from Podium in the future.”
With its cutting-edge AI technology and user-friendly interface, Podium’s “Review Response Suggestions” feature is poised to revolutionise the way local businesses in Australia manage their online reputation.
Podium is used by 4,000 local businesses in Australia and 100,000 globally.
To learn more, visit: www.podium.com.au