Why your voice matters in the world of finance

Buying a financial product is a big commitment that can have a lasting impact on your money. But with so many products and providers on the market, knowing who to choose can be confusing. 

In this article we explain why your voice matters in the world of finance and how leaving reviews helps others to choose their next financial product. 

You’ll help others to make smarter choices

Your experience as a customer helps other people to buy financial products with more confidence.

In fact, our research from October 2022 showed that 84% of customers trust reviews from other customers.

One reviewer told us: “Reading reviews allowed me to find out what other consumers had experienced using the company that I was considering. Customer service is just as important as good pricing and products, so having access to reviews meant that I could make an informed choice.”

Choosing a product or provider with the best rate or price is important. But as our reviewer highlighted, often a commitment to customer service is just as vital. Leaving a review gives a well-rounded view of each product and company, helping others to make more informed decisions.

Driving improvements in financial services

Online reviews give companies feedback from their customers. Positive reviews show what they’re doing well, while negative reviews show areas where they can improve.

When a customer leaves a negative review, companies have the opportunity to respond. This holds them accountable and gives allows them to show they value their customers by learning from the feedback.

Most customers read online reviews before making a purchase or using a service. And our research found that 69% of customers are likely to change their mind after reading reviews. The more people leave reviews, the greater understanding companies have about what they’re doing well and how they can make things better.

Building a community of informed consumers

Marketing campaigns are designed to attract attention and give a positive impression of financial services companies. But it’s consumer reviews that provide deeper insights into the customer experience.

When you leave a review on platforms like Smart Money People you’re promoting transparency within financial services. With every review, you’re helping to grow a community of knowledgeable and informed financial services customers. 

Online reviews create a level playing field for companies and broaden the options to consider, connecting people to the right financial services provider, regardless of their size.

Why reviewers choose Smart Money People

At Smart Money People, we’re the UK's most comprehensive customer review site for financial products and services. We’re helping thousands of people to make smarter buying decisions and financial companies to up their game.

Our reviews cover a range of areas giving people reassurance and complementing their wider research on products and providers.

Making decisions about financial products can be complex enough without worrying about which provider and product to choose. But when you leave a review with Smart Money People, you’re helping other people to know what it’s really like to be a customer. Another reviewer told us: “It was really good to read honest reviews from real people. I will never get another financial product without looking here first.”

How to write an effective review

Here are our 3 top tips:

1. Leave a review that’s detailed and informative, explaining exactly what the company did to deserve the rating you’ve given.
2. We use the reviews to help companies improve, so do share the improvements you’d like to see but please be respectful in your language.
3. If you had a negative experience, be clear about what happened. If there were only a few aspects that tarnished your experience, try to include any positives you found to ensure your review is fair.

Leave a review with Smart Money People

You can leave reviews with Smart Money People at any time, using these simple steps:

1. Head to the 'Write a review' section of our website
2. Search for the company and product you’d like to leave a review for
3. Answer the questions and rate your experience
4. Give more detail about your experience and give the review a title that sums up your experience
5. Verify your review via your email address

Now you’re ready to leave one (or more!) reviews, so head to our website and share your experience of financial services companies.