How Online Review Sites in India are Giving Power to the People

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How Online Review Sites in India are Giving Power to the People

Schools, cars, credit cards, and even other websites are all featured on Mouthshut

Tuesday April 14, 2020 8:40 PM, ummid.com News Network

Online Review

Today there are over 560 million Internet users throughout India. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, we’re now the world’s second-largest online market, only falling behind global tech leaders China. Thanks to the falling price of data and the wider availability of connective devices, India's interconnectivity is growing at a rapid rate. Figures today show that we have over 629 million mobile users, and the way we connect with the online world has touched every corner of India’s economy.

Now, more than ever, Indian Internet users are able to share ideas and seek out new information. Out of the 560 million Internet users present in India, over half at 294 million engage in social media, making the nation better connected than ever.

What’s interesting here, is how this interconnectivity is changing the way we use the Internet to find out information. We’re not just logging online to browse Google for facts or stores, but we’re valuing each other’s opinions too. This is clear in the growing market of Indian review websites. We’re not only buying online, but leaving feedback, browsing for the best deals, and seeking out recommendations too. It’s all causing a huge impact on India's economy.

Now, everyday people are able to look toward independent reviewers before spending their cash. Rather than the online space belonging exclusively to marketing teams from big corporations like it has in the past, review websites and platforms are popping up to help Indian users choose everything from their next television provider, to where they’ll celebrate a birthday.

Increased popularity of review websites in India

If there’s a market for it, there’s a high chance you’ll find a review site too. You could even start writing reviews today if you wanted to.

Take Mouthshut, for example. They’re a user-generated review platform covering the sort of general products you’d look for every day. Schools, cars, credit cards, and even other websites are all featured on Mouthshut. According to reports from 2017, their development team spent an entire six months tracking down users to verify their credentials and delete any fake review accounts. Even online megastore Amazon has strict measures put in place to only allow reviews from verified buyers.

But, it isn’t just user-generated review websites Indian Internet users are embracing. Many are seeking out the guidance of industry-specific reviewers too. Casino Market is a good example of a bespoke review website with a specialist focus. Unlike Mouthshut, Casino Market offers a niche service by reviewing online casinos and bookmakers from around the world. They also provide insights based on region too, meaning it’s possible to find specific reviews and information for India alone, for example. Niche review sites aren’t necessarily new, but due to the availability of data and expanding developer knowledge, they’re a fast-expanding market.

So, with so much information at our disposal, it only makes sense for Indian Internet users to embrace review websites. Social media is great for asking friends and family for recommendations or feedback; however, they don’t offer the same level of structure, security, or expertise as a dedicated platform. Many people prefer to combine the two to say, find the reputation of a brand or business before parting ways with their cash.

The impact on business

By actively seeking and sharing each other’s opinions in this way, we’re changing the ways businesses can operate. Shops, garages, catering services, dog groomers, and online casinos are all aware their business is open to scrutiny online. As a result, they’re able to respond to feedback quicker, and are appearing to go the extra mile to uphold their reputation.

This might sound like an “us versus them” scenario but, in many cases, India’s half a billion Internet users are helping Indian businesses become better connected with their customers. It isn’t uncommon to see a restaurant owner reply to a customer comment on a platform like Yelp.

Likewise, online store managers can make sure their shoppers are happy by letting niche review websites know of upcoming offers and deals. In the case of a gaming provider, they might be able to spot things players aren't happy with in the latest expansion pack. Without the technology to give consumers a voice online, this instant feedback would be a much longer, arduous process for businesses. It helps customers and regulators hold them accountable too.

India’s Internet boom is breaking down barriers to benefit us all. For buyers, being able to access and submit reviews is extremely empowering. So, it’s to no surprise India’s e-commerce market is looking to exceed US 91 billion dollars by 2023. Thanks to our embracing of online opinions, we’re becoming more informed than ever, and ready to make the most of India’s technology boom.

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