Can’t Trust Everything You Read Online

With decades of experience, a lot of the business that we receive at ToothSavers is based on client recommendations. As a result, we closely monitor reviews posted on some of the most popular directory and review sites online. Over the past few weeks, we have made note when wonderful reviews from our known clients have made an appearance, only to find that within days or weeks of appearing, they are gone.

Our reputation is important to us, and we know that our existing clients know when they walk into one of our practices; they will get the best experience. However, we do have concerns when we see positive reviews disappearing online only to leave reviews by a few dissatisfied customers or competitors remaining.

After doing some research we have discovered that some of these top directory and review sites are intentionally removing positive feedback in order to manipulate business owners into paying for advertisements so they’ll take down the negative reviews that appear. With lawsuits pending, it’s a shame that this limits internet users’ access to unbiased information.

Independent review sites are meant to allow those in need of professional services the opportunity to research and make informed decisions by reading about the untainted experiences of individuals. While this can mean sites demonstrate, the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly depending upon how a customer felt after being treated by a dental office or receiving any other service from a business, at least it’s honest.

The internet is designed to be a resource, but these practices remove that level of honestly and users’ rights to unbiased information. While we are a business that has truly embraced the use of the internet to reach our current and prospective patients, and just generally provide the world access to a wealth of dental resources; we urge you not to take everything you see at face value. Read the reviews, but understand that something might be happening behind the scenes. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask us to clarify any questions or concerns you may have. Ask a friend if they’ve visited our clinics and rely upon personal references. You’ll find that you won’t regret it at all!!

But, don’t let a few bad apples to taint your view of the reliability of the internet overall; but do trust your instincts!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 at 8:01 pm and is filed under dental news. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.