Latest news with #GoogleReviews
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Dear Vicki: ‘My team has become slipshod with customer services. How do I stop the rot?'
Q I run a small business, and recently I've had a few clients either leave comments on Google Reviews or contact me directly to say they haven't received a reply from someone on my team. It's enough to start worrying me. We've always prided ourselves on being personal and responsive, but clearly we've let standards slip. What would you suggest we do to ensure this doesn't become a habit, and to eradicate it from our culture? A I genuinely don't understand how any business, large or small, does not treat customer responsiveness as a fundamental part of their operations. We've all had this experience – our calls put on hold, press 1 for this, 2 for that, and when you finally speak to someone, they are not familiar with your account or seem uninterested. It's frustrating, but customers stay loyal because they've grown accustomed to this treatment, or can't find a cheaper alternative, or find switching difficult.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Small Businesses Face Rising Threat of Fake Google Reviews Amid Growing Digital Trust Crisis
Vehicle Shipping Brokers Join the Front Lines in Combating Review Bombing and Online Reputation Attacks 'Fake reviews do far more than just hurt a business's reputation—they threaten the very foundation of trust that small companies rely on to survive.'— Andre Bramwell LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, July 27, 2025 / / -- As online reviews become a critical factor in consumer decisions, small businesses across industries face an alarming rise in coordinated fake Google review attacks. This growing problem has evolved into a digital trust crisis, threatening the credibility of review platforms and the survival of honest businesses—especially in service-based industries like vehicle shipping. The Rising Menace of Fake Google Reviews Google Reviews have become essential for businesses, influencing customer trust and sales. But bad-faith actors increasingly exploit the system by posting false, misleading, or retaliatory reviews through fake or burner accounts. This 'review bombing' can cause severe damage by: -Undermining customer confidence -Reducing inquiries and sales -Forcing small businesses to spend significant time and resources fighting fraudulent feedback Why Vehicle Shipping is Especially Vulnerable The auto transport industry involves multiple parties—brokers, carriers, and customers—often spread geographically and operating under complex logistics. This setup can lead to communication gaps and misunderstandings. Unfortunately, some carriers or third parties exploit this complexity, posting fake reviews to retaliate or manipulate reputations. Industry insiders agree that while Google is vital for discovery, current review systems lack safeguards to protect service providers from these attacks. The Challenge of Addressing Fake Reviews Google offers tools to flag suspicious reviews, but many businesses find the process slow and often ineffective against large-scale campaigns. Discussions on forums like Reddit's r/GoogleMyBusiness reveal many owners facing weeks of relentless fake reviews, with limited support or transparency from Google. A Call to Action Small businesses urge platforms like Google to: -Require verified transactions before reviews in sensitive industries -Provide faster, more transparent dispute resolution -Invest in better AI and human moderation to identify and remove fake reviews promptly -Educate consumers on identifying genuine reviews -Such changes are crucial to restoring trust and protecting honest businesses. Commitment to Integrity by Bigfella Auto Express Despite these challenges, brokers like Bigfella Auto Express remain committed to transparency, thorough carrier vetting, and clear communication. Founded by Andre Bramwell, the company documents every step to ensure accountability. Customers are encouraged not to rely solely on star ratings but to verify providers through direct communication and evidence of service. For a deeper look at the impact of fake reviews, read Bigfella Auto Express's detailed blog: Fake Reviews, Real Damage: How Review Bombing is Hurting Honest Small Businesses About Bigfella Auto Express Based in Houston, Bigfella Auto Express is a vehicle shipping brokerage dedicated to honest, customer-first service. The company partners with vetted, insured carriers to provide reliable transport solutions nationwide. Media Bigfella Auto Express + +1 346-536-8700 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Popular gastro pub on scenic Scots island goes up for sale
The overall plot extends to approximately 0.5 acres, including a generous beer garden and car park. ISLE TAKE IT Popular gastro pub on scenic Scots island goes up for sale Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR gastro pub in the Outer Hebrides is to go under the hammer. Cross Inn at Ness on the Isle of Lewis has been removed from open market sale and is now up for auction with bidding starting at £220,000. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Cross Inn at Ness on the Isle of Lewis is going under the hammer next month Credit: RIGHTMOVE 7 The building has five en-suite bedrooms on the upper floor Credit: RIGHTMOVE 7 It also has a comfy lounge area Credit: RIGHTMOVE 7 And it even has a generous beer garden Credit: RIGHTMOVE The hostelry has been on the market for over a year and was listed in 2024 with an asking price of £400,000. It is now going under the hammer via Auction House Scotland livestream on August 21. The award-winning establishment comprises an established restaurant and bar, as well as a B&B. It has five en-suite rooms, plus three private rooms which were formerly used as owner accommodation. Detached from the main building is the Old Barn Bar with 30 covers, which can be run independently all year round. The established gastro pub is described as having "a strong reputation amongst locals and tourists alike", with a 4.7 rating on Google Reviews. And it is said to be a great "opportunity to grow an already successful restaurant and B&B". The auction listing states: "Within stunning surroundings, the property comprises a lounge/bar, restaurant and commercial kitchen on the ground floor. "The upper level offers five ensuite B&B rooms plus three private rooms, formerly used as owners' accommodation. "It's popular with locals and tourists, being one of the few pubs on the Hebrides. Rangers-daft pub goes up for sale in Scots town "Additionally, there is a one-and-a-half-storey garage which would be ideal for conversion into self-contained owner's accommodation or tourist accommodation (with necessary planning approvals.) "The overall plot extends to approximately 0.5 acre, including a generous beer garden and car park. "Indications have previously been given that the council would be amenable to planning for camping on the spaces available at the beer garden. 'High level' of tourist demand on Lewis THE LISTING also goes on to describe the local area and revealed that tourist demand on the island is at a "high level". It said: "The Cross Inn enjoys a prominent roadside location on the A857 towards the northern tip of the Isle of Lewis. " Cross Village is a small community offering local facilities, with Stornoway approximately 35 miles to the south. "The local economy is historically built on traditional businesses such as fishing, farming and Harris Tweed. "But tourism demand across the islands is always at a high level." "The business has undertaken very little marketing activity and currently operates on a successful seasonal basis in the peak April to September season. "There is an excellent opportunity to grow the visibility and trading hours of this popular business to a 12-month calendar. "The published rateable value is £16,000, but the business may qualify for rates relief under the Islands and Remote Areas Hospitality Relief scheme." The auction is being undertaken as the current husband-and-wife team is looking to retire, the listing states. It adds: "They are looking to retire from the business and pass the baton to an enterprising and enthusiastic new team." 7 Bidding for the gastro pub is set to start at £220,000 Credit: RIGHTMOVE 7 The award-winning establishment comprises an established restaurant and bar Credit: RIGHTMOVE
Campaign ME
6 days ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
Seed & Bloom Community Café shares rollout, success of brand launch campaign
Seed & Bloom Community Café, a homegrown brand, has shared details about its brand launch, activation and influencer campaign with Campaign Middle East. The campaign leaned into a multi-channel strategy to create awareness about its launch, introduce a novel concept to the market, and catalyse foot traffic to the debut venue. The homegrown F&B concept in Abu Dhabi built its brand identity around mindful living, sustainable design and exceptional artisanal food, hoping to build brand love and loyalty through a nurturing space for connection and community engagement. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Foode 🇦🇪 Essa Ali (@ Stakeholders involved in the Seed & Bloom launch campaign The brand launch and activation campaign was brought to life in partnership with TGP International, which was responsible for concept and brand development, interior design and ongoing oversight of operations, marketing, events, PR, and advertising for Seed & Bloom. The brand is now entirely operated and managed by TGP International. Meanwhile, Katch International was tasked with generating media coverage for the venue and coordinating influencer visits during the opening phase. Me:Mo provided auxiliary marketing support during the three-month launch period, including content creation and social media management. Pyong Sumaria handled the photography for F&B and social, while Gavriil Papadiotis handled photography for the interior design elements. The campaign ran for a duration of eight weeks from 5 March to 5 May, 2025. Objectives and rollout of the campaign In conversation with Campaign Middle East, the brand revealed that the main objectives of the campaign included: Introducing the brand to the market and establish its identity and brand values; Driving initial traffic to the venue and revenue through F&B sales; Attracting media and influencers to discover and experience the brand; Generating bookings for workshops and classes; Growing social media platforms and engagement; and Achieving positive early-stage Google Reviews ratings. The brand primarily looked to reach a targeted audience of families, Emiratis, local communities, as well as family-focused influencers. As a result, the campaign was rolled out through social media, traditional public relations and media outreach, community events, influencer marketing and through its website. The campaign unfolded in three distinct phases, starting with early awareness efforts before progressing into targeted media and influencer engagements, and then culminating in highly community-focused activations of workshops and activities, which set the direction for the venue's ongoing programme of experiences offered to its guests. Pre-launch awareness Ahead of its March 2025 opening, the team laid the groundwork for targeted brand awareness. Bilingual press materials were shared with regional media, and first-look exclusives were pitched to trusted lifestyle outlets. Regional publications featured Seed & Bloom before its launch, drawing attention to the design details and menu highlights. Fact Magazine called it 'a space for cakes, classes and coffee in equal measure,' capturing the layered intent behind the concept. This early presence established media recognition and positioned the brand as experience-led from the outset. Launch coverage The launch campaign brought together select content creators to engage their audiences with original, immersive storytelling. Influencers including Alia Alhosani, Amal Ismail, Lana Kaati and Sister's Diary covered their visits through Reels and stories. Through detailed concept briefing and on-the-ground collaboration with these individuals, content focused on the concept's craftsmanship, interiors and the sense of calm the space offered. Time Out Abu Dhabi's walkthrough reel highlighted the café's botanical interiors and pastry selection. A similar walkthrough on TikTok added another strong stream of content. Secret Abu Dhabi's video looked at the sustainability story and the space's distinctive tone. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @gardensplazaad Combined, these videos received more than 80,000 views across platforms. The narrative was picked up by early visitors who began posting their own stories, photos and reels, which helped build an important layer of community-generated content within days of launch. Community event Seed & Bloom also hosted a dedicated 'A Blooming Beginning' event the weekend following its launch, inviting local families, creatives and lifestyle voices to experience the café through workshops, live music and community moments. The day featured a mix of hands-on activities including flower arranging, painting, and interactive culinary stations, with a focus on creating moments families could enjoy together. Attendees included Shania Rosario, Leen Melthem and Arpita Soni who captured impressions of the space that went beyond food. From floral focaccia to slow mornings on the terrace, the content reflected a sense of discovery that aligned with the brand's personality. Finally, a café in Abu Dhabi that feels like home—warm, personal and proud of where it comes from. — Experience Abu Dhabi The event extended the reach of the campaign into the local community and created additional stories that positioned the brand as part of the neighbourhood. Post-launch momentum In the months following the launch, Seed & Bloom continued to receive editorial coverage in What's On Abu Dhabi, BBC Good Food, Curly Tales and Experience Abu Dhabi. These pieces moved the narrative forward by spotlighting the café's evolving programme of events and workshops, including sourdough classes, sustainability pop-ups and creative gatherings. Freshly baked pastries, earthy interiors and a warm welcome—Seed & Bloom is one of Abu Dhabi's most exciting new openings. — Curly Tales Reviews on Tripadvisor consistently cited the ambience, service and quality of food, reinforcing the messages shared in media and influencer content. The café maintains a full 5.0 rating. Success metrics of the Seed & Bloom campaign Since its launch, Seed & Bloom Café Abu Dhabi has carved out a clear identity in the city's evolving café scene.
AsiaOne
24-07-2025
- General
- AsiaOne
Ghim Moh hawker responds to 'unfair' one-star rating over tray incident, calls reviewer 'petty', Singapore News
A hawker has voiced her frustration after her stall received a one-star rating from a patron for refusing to help him remove trays at a hawker centre. In a post uploaded by Facebook user Jesline Chua on the Hawkers United Facebook page, she explained that the poor review — posted on Google Reviews — was given because she declined to assist in clearing trays from a table. She runs a prawn noodle stall at Ghim Moh Road Market and Food Centre. The review, posted by a user named Gary Tang, stated that he needed an entire table for his family but was hindered by a large stack of trays. He claimed in on online post that when he approached Chua for assistance, he claimed she appeared unfriendly and told him they would have to move the trays himself, as they were not left by her stall. Tang also commented that the stall staff had a "strange" and "lousy attitude". In response, Chua clarified that the trays had been stacked by the cleaners and not by her stall and emphasised that she did not prevent the customer from moving the trays himself. "It's so unfair to us, and you're not even patronising (my stall)," said Chua, adding that the customer had approached someone like her—of a smaller build—to move a heavy load of trays. She also responded by saying that someone of his status should not be so "petty as to try and tarnish another person's business". "It's already so difficult for us hawkers who are trying our best to run an honest business, and yet we have to deal with people like this," she added. Netizens weighed in on the incident, with some calling out the customer for being self-entitled, while others expressed appreciation for the hard work of local hawkers. One user also commented that Google Reviews shouldn't be used to judge an eatery, and that people should try the food themselves to form their own opinion. AsiaOne has reached out to Chua for comment. [[nid:679403]]
