AuctionsNov 13, 2026
Historic ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Achieves $4.9M at Sotheby’sThe 197-carat Russian Crown jewel was the leading lot of Sotheby's white-glove Royal & Noble Jewels sale this week.
ColumnistsMar 03, 2020
The Smart Lab: Have You Been Reviewed Yet?
If not, you’re missing out on the chance to increase your store’s online visibility and set yourself apart from competitors, writes Emmanuel Raheb.
Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and coveted Premier Google Partner. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com.
In a world of technological interconnectivity, you would never dare not to have a website.
With the rise of online shopping and our passionate love affair with search engines, a strong internet presence is essential for the prosperity of any business, big or small. So much so that it’s pretty well understood that the lack of one is just as dated as calling an operator or using dial-up internet service.
So why, we ask, is the importance of online reviews not as ubiquitous as having your own URL?
Even if you have a 100,000-square-foot building in the center of a major city with consumers singing your praises outside your door each day, nothing beats the reach of the internet.
To help you, below are a few reasons why online reviews are a must for your business this year.
1. As social media continues to define a new way of communicating, it also changes the idea of who qualifies as a friend, or a stranger for that matter. The internet allows us to befriend someone we’ve never met before and find some sort of connection with them.
This especially relates to the idea of online reviews. As we read them, we instantly channel our involvement in the community of the internet and relate to the writers of those reviews; we develop trust in their opinions. All of a sudden, a complete stranger impacts our decision to patronize, or walk away from, a company.
Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes the internet to raise a business, so why not join in and help it grow?
2. Given the importance an internet presence has on a business, it also, first and foremost, qualifies the legitimacy of your business.
With companies popping up every second, it’s hard sometimes to trust that the small online company you’re giving your card information to is real. We’ve all seen online examples of companies with no photos or personal touch to their internet presences and have been suspicious.
But the support of online reviews documenting real experiences helps let consumers know that you’re an official business making official transactions.
3. With businesses increasing in number every day, there’s no shortage of options for consumers.
And that’s where reviews come into play, as they’re a great way to set yourself apart from competitors.
While your services or products may be similar to another local business, each customer is unique and, by extension, each customer experience is also unique. Opening yourself up to online reviews allows those good experiences to be recorded and could be the reason why your business gets chosen over another.
4. Another obvious reason to open up your business to review platforms is that it increases your visibility.
Oftentimes, when searching for any type of business, some of the first pages that pop up right below the company’s actual website are review sites.
Search engine algorithms understand their importance and rank them up high for consumers to easily find.
Having your business open to one or a couple review platforms expands your presence and allows for multiple URLs to be a representation of your work, not just your website.
Search engines favor original content, and as personal reviews are as original as they get, they’re a great way to boost your rankings in their algorithms.
With the rise of online shopping and our passionate love affair with search engines, a strong internet presence is essential for the prosperity of any business, big or small. So much so that it’s pretty well understood that the lack of one is just as dated as calling an operator or using dial-up internet service.
So why, we ask, is the importance of online reviews not as ubiquitous as having your own URL?
Even if you have a 100,000-square-foot building in the center of a major city with consumers singing your praises outside your door each day, nothing beats the reach of the internet.
To help you, below are a few reasons why online reviews are a must for your business this year.
1. As social media continues to define a new way of communicating, it also changes the idea of who qualifies as a friend, or a stranger for that matter. The internet allows us to befriend someone we’ve never met before and find some sort of connection with them.
This especially relates to the idea of online reviews. As we read them, we instantly channel our involvement in the community of the internet and relate to the writers of those reviews; we develop trust in their opinions. All of a sudden, a complete stranger impacts our decision to patronize, or walk away from, a company.
Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes the internet to raise a business, so why not join in and help it grow?
2. Given the importance an internet presence has on a business, it also, first and foremost, qualifies the legitimacy of your business.
With companies popping up every second, it’s hard sometimes to trust that the small online company you’re giving your card information to is real. We’ve all seen online examples of companies with no photos or personal touch to their internet presences and have been suspicious.
But the support of online reviews documenting real experiences helps let consumers know that you’re an official business making official transactions.
3. With businesses increasing in number every day, there’s no shortage of options for consumers.
And that’s where reviews come into play, as they’re a great way to set yourself apart from competitors.
While your services or products may be similar to another local business, each customer is unique and, by extension, each customer experience is also unique. Opening yourself up to online reviews allows those good experiences to be recorded and could be the reason why your business gets chosen over another.
4. Another obvious reason to open up your business to review platforms is that it increases your visibility.
Oftentimes, when searching for any type of business, some of the first pages that pop up right below the company’s actual website are review sites.
Search engine algorithms understand their importance and rank them up high for consumers to easily find.
Having your business open to one or a couple review platforms expands your presence and allows for multiple URLs to be a representation of your work, not just your website.
Search engines favor original content, and as personal reviews are as original as they get, they’re a great way to boost your rankings in their algorithms.
5. Most importantly, however, is that online reviews are free marketing.
In this age of endless blogs and Instagram posts, it’s pretty obvious: people love sharing their opinions.
And we, as consumers hungry for personal stories, love reading others’ opinions. So why not take advantage of that and join the club?
More on Columnists
The Latest
CollectionsNov 13, 2026
Maison Marcelle’s Bracelet Flows Like FabricThe “Équation” bracelet, our Piece of the Week, was built via 24 gold modules assembled into a piece that feels like fabric on the wrist.
IndependentsNov 13, 2026
Texas Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsAlter’s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas, is closing as Brian and Lori Alter retire to spend more time with family.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
Events & AwardsNov 13, 2026
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Unveil Second Jewelry Designer Award Finalists Five finalists have been chosen for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award’s second cycle.
Weekly QuizNov 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeNov 12, 2026
1 of 7 Men Charged in $100M Brinks Heist to Plead GuiltyThree of the other alleged perpetrators will stand trial next March, while two remain on the lam and one was deported late last year.
AuctionsNov 12, 2026
24-Carat ‘Bulgari Pink’ Diamond Sells for $14.8MUnseen for more than seven decades, the fancy intense pink diamond was the star of Christie’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
WatchesNov 12, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Now Offers Certified Pre-Owned Rolex WatchesThe curated selection is available online and at its showroom in Austin, Texas.
IndependentsNov 12, 2026
Greenberg’s Jewelers Welcomes New Fourth-Generation MembersThe next generation understands what makes the 126-year-old retailer special, said CEO and Co-President Elise Greenberg.
Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look NaturalThe 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.
SourcingNov 10, 2026
Botswana in Line to Take Controlling Stake in De Beers, President Says If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
