Latest news with #onlinereviews
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Winnipeg dental clinic sues man who described 'terrible experience' in series of online reviews
A Winnipeg dental clinic targeted by several negative online reviews is now suing the man behind the posts for defamation. The dental clinic says the man posted "false, inaccurate, misleading, and defamatory" information about the clinic in a series of online reviews earlier this summer, according to the statement of claim filed at the Manitoba Court of King's Bench on July 29. The man posted his reviews to several websites — Facebook, Google, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau — in early July detailing his "terrible experience" at the downtown dental clinic, where he said he went for a tooth extraction at the end of June, according to the lawsuit. In his review, the man claimed a dentist at the clinic was not equipped to provide oral sedation. He also claimed to have accidentally ripped out new stitches from his mouth as he tried to replace gauze after the appointment, the suit says. "Go find a homeless individual in a back alley, give them $50 and tell them which teeth you need out. It will hurt less in the long run!" the man's initial review said, which is quoted in the lawsuit. A spokesperson for the clinic declined to comment on the lawsuit as the matter is before the courts. However, in an email to CBC News, the spokesperson said they welcome criticism because it helps the clinic improve its services. "That said, this does not give people the right to publicly state inaccurate, false, or defamatory statements. Doing so can be damaging to a business' reputation, is cowardly, and is against the law," the spokesperson said. Damages The clinic is seeking general, special and punitive damages against the man, as well as injunctions ordering the man to delete any defamatory material online involving the clinic and not to post more in the future, according to the suit. The clinic offered the man an apology and a chance to go back to the clinic to speak with the dentist who extracted his tooth, but he refused both, demanding a refund from the clinic through its management as well as the Manitoba Dental Association, the suit says. The man has since deleted his review of the clinic on Google, but the other three reviews remain online, the suit says. The man's posts were meant to recover dental fees he paid to the clinic, to question the clinic's integrity and reputation, and to hurt its profits, the suit claims. The clinic claims the man's posts have and continue to cause damages to its reputation and business. None of the allegations have been tested in court. A statement of defence has not yet been filed.
CBC
6 days ago
- CBC
Winnipeg dental clinic sues man who described 'terrible experience' in series of online reviews
A Winnipeg dental clinic targeted by several negative online reviews is now suing the man behind the posts for defamation. The dental clinic says the man posted "false, inaccurate, misleading, and defamatory" information about the clinic in a series of online reviews earlier this summer, according to the statement of claim filed at the Manitoba Court of King's Bench on July 29. The man posted his reviews to several websites — Facebook, Google, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau — in early July detailing his "terrible experience" at the downtown dental clinic, where he said he went for a tooth extraction at the end of June, according to the lawsuit. In his review, the man claimed a dentist at the clinic was not equipped to provide oral sedation. He also claimed to have accidentally ripped out new stitches from his mouth as he tried to replace gauze after the appointment, the suit says. "Go find a homeless individual in a back alley, give them $50 and tell them which teeth you need out. It will hurt less in the long run!" the man's initial review said, which is quoted in the lawsuit. A spokesperson for the clinic declined to comment on the lawsuit as the matter is before the courts. However, in an email to CBC News, the spokesperson said they welcome criticism because it helps the clinic improve its services. "That said, this does not give people the right to publicly state inaccurate, false, or defamatory statements. Doing so can be damaging to a business' reputation, is cowardly, and is against the law," the spokesperson said. Damages The clinic is seeking general, special and punitive damages against the man, as well as injunctions ordering the man to delete any defamatory material online involving the clinic and not to post more in the future, according to the suit. The clinic offered the man an apology and a chance to go back to the clinic to speak with the dentist who extracted his tooth, but he refused both, demanding a refund from the clinic through its management as well as the Manitoba Dental Association, the suit says. The man has since deleted his review of the clinic on Google, but the other three reviews remain online, the suit says. The man's posts were meant to recover dental fees he paid to the clinic, to question the clinic's integrity and reputation, and to hurt its profits, the suit claims. The clinic claims the man's posts have and continue to cause damages to its reputation and business. None of the allegations have been tested in court. A statement of defence has not yet been filed.
Fast Company
6 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Social proof is the new sales funnel for agencies
FAST COMPANY EXECUTIVE BOARD How can you build credible social proof—and do it authentically? [Adobe Stock / insta_photos] The Fast Company Executive Board is a private, fee-based network of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. BY Listen to this Article More info 0:00 / 6:53 Just 4% of consumers say they 'never read online reviews,' according to BrightLocal's 2025 Local Consumer Review Survey. Nearly every buyer looks for proof before making a decision. After all, positive reviews are both validation from happy customers and the catalysts that will drive future sales. This also makes them one of the most effective forms of social proof, given that reviews directly impact consumer purchasing decisions, even when online opinions often originate from total strangers. Research from the Northwestern Medill Spiegel Research Center illustrates the undeniable effectiveness of external validation for buyers: Products with five or more reviews are 270% more likely to be purchased than those with none. Just as we've come to expect reviews for products, this also pertains to businesses, as a majority of U.S. consumers report 'always' or 'regularly' researching local businesses online, making it more likely that high-intent buyers find agencies first. For agencies, the move away from traditional outreach methods toward external endorsements signals big changes to how business is won. First impressions are now shaped by online reviews, case studies, and recognition—clear signs that social proof now occupies the top of the funnel. How can you build credible social proof—and do it authentically? As the general manager of DesignRush, which has helped over 40,000 agencies connect with prospective clients, I've observed what sells and what just adds noise. To improve your discoverability and credibility online, here are three strategic principles for building social proof: 1. LEAD WITH CREDIBILITY, NOT CLAIMS Many agency positioning phrases sounds the same: 'full-service,' 'award-winning,' 'data-driven.' Yes, you can provide buyers a buffet of options and see what sticks—but that's not what buyers want. Proof is what gets you noticed. Data shows that 80% of B2B buyers consult case studies before making a decision, according to data presented by Extu. So, what do buyers really want? Specifics: name the client, quantify the result, display the transformation, show measurable outcomes. Don't skip this step! Your work can drive interest long before you speak to a prospect, so long as it's packaged correctly. What This Means For Agencies: Visibility is now a lead source. Are you where your buyers research? Proof is persuasion. External validation matters more than self-promotion. Referrals now come from platforms, media, and rankings, not just clients. My advice? Focus on positioning just as much as you do branding. Showcasing your accomplishments honestly and effectively will earn you social proof—and not to mention, industry clout and recognition. 2. BUILT AUTHORITY VIA EXTERNAL PROOF Most buyers never speak to a rep before narrowing their list. Data from 6Sense, an AI -powered B2B Revenue platform, shows 81% of prospective buyers know their preferred vendor, and 85% decide their needs and budget before ever reaching out. At the same time, 75% of B2B buyers prefer a rep-free sales experience, Gartner reports. These stats illustrate how imperative it is for agencies to ensure they're easily discoverable (and appear credible) to prospects during the discovery phase. One way to achieve this is via trusted third-party platforms. This could mean getting noticed via directories, media coverage, or submitting your work to industry awards. Not sure where to start? At DesignRush, we spotlight top-performing agencies and brands through a monthly awards program. Selected nominees are evaluated by an accredited jury across categories like web, app, logo, video, packaging, and print design. We see this as both visibility and validation—a way to amplify great work and build industry credibility. Why It Matters Brands with industry awards experience have up to 37% more sales growth, according to a study from Hendricks & Singhal of the University of Western Ontario and Georgia Institute of Technology. Case in point: Public recognition becomes proof of performance, opening doors, building clout, and helping agencies earn new business. 3. MAKE VISIBILITY A HABIT Social proof isn't a one-off. It's an ongoing endeavor that produces compound visibility. To stay relevant, dedicate time each month toward turning your client outcomes into case studies, featured content, and third-party mentions. For recurring third-party mentions, you can curate proof by pursuing: Client quotes for a 'review' conveying a measurable result Case studies to show a real problem solved with specific outcomes Mentions in a third-party directory for proximity to high-intent buyers My advice? Create a recurring plan and stay consistent. This kind of external validation isn't just a 'nice to have.' It's a strategic decision that shapes public perception and signals trust that then influences buying patterns. The data doesn't lie: Without visible proof of credibility, agencies risk being overlooked, often before the pitch even begins. To avoid this, you need to show buyers the right trust signals early, when they're still defining their needs and scanning the market. Getting on track takes some planning (and patience), but with the right approach, you can get there. First, review this social proof checklist. Are you… Showing up where your buyers actually look? Leading with outcomes and proof, not just claims? Earning recognition from credible external outlets? Creating work that your clients are proud to promote? Treating visibility as a habit, not a one-off campaign? If you can answer 'yes' to all five, your foundation for trust (and traction) is already in place. If not, prioritize the most 'off target' areas and address them ASAP. Now, for my final piece of advice—and it's a big one: As you scale your presence, ensure you're also highlighting your clients' successes. Doing so expands reach for both parties while reinforcing trust, as you team up to share joint case studies, content, and milestones. At DesignRush, this collaborative approach certainly helped us to grow visibility, build trust, and strengthen client relationships. What could it unlock for your agency? The early-rate deadline for Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Awards is Friday, September 5, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
