Tech Pavilion Keynote Speaker - Taking Control of Online User Reviews

That was the main message from John Aguero, head of local consumer marketing for Google and today’s keynote speaker for the Technology Pavilion.

Yelp, Trip Advisor, Citysearch, Yahoo Local, Zagat and more. The pace of online reviews is increasing by the year, even by the day. “There are over a million online reviews posted every month on Google,” Aguero said. “It’s extremely important to know what people are saying and manage your responses to them.”

“There’s a review born every minute,” Aguero added. “More than 6 million people have taken control of their account.” Aside from just word of mouth and going back to places you’ve been, online reviews serve as the No. 3 vehicle for discovering new restaurants, above guide books, traditional advertising, media, TV and newspapers.

Beyond updating phone numbers and addresses, Google’s listing service allows restaurants and other operators to also scroll through reviews and respond to fans, or foes. But beyond that, Google’s program also links up your restaurant with other similar, highly rated restaurants as a way to bring new customers in the door. For example, when online users search for or post reviews for one pizza place, based on their preferences, they’ll get a list of suggested new spots to try.

Google also uses its GPS mapping system to send your restaurant listing to an online user looking for a restaurant in their immediate area. Restaurants can use the listing service to upload new menus, photos, specials and more.

And, if you’re already setup on Yelp, that’s great. But don’t forget to check out other online review programs out there so you’re in complete control, Aguero suggested.

The Technology Pavilion will feature demonstrations, education sessions and exhibits focusing on restaurant POS systems, wireless technologies, inventory control, customer relationship management and more.