In exchange for a good reputation, your company will always grow and prosper. It’s what your customers, your partners, or even your competitors think about your brand. Now that most interactions take place online, it is more important than ever to maintain your business reputation in the digital world. This blog will help you find out how to control and secure your reputation for your business.
What is Online Business Reputation Management (RBM)?
Internet reputation management for business is the practice of monitoring and influencing an enterprise’s reputation using online media. It is about actively influencing public opinion by responding to clients, writing positive stories, and neutralizing negative reviews or coverage. No matter what size business you run, your online reputation is influencing trust, customer loyalty, and revenue.
Why is it important to build your Online Reputation
People believe online reviews as much as personal recommendations. According to recent studies:
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93% of consumers check online reviews before making a purchase.
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85% rely on online reviews as much as recommendations from friends or family.
From tweets to comment stacks, everything you do online reflects who you are at your core. Positive feedback on a company can help maintain customer loyalty and attract new clients, while negative feedback can really cause a company to suffer and even shut down.
How To Control Your Online Business Reputation
Monitor Your Online Presence
The first step to managing your online reputation is finding out what people are saying about your business. Apps such as Google Alerts, Mention, and Brand24 will aid in following references and mentions of your brand on new sites, social media platforms, and forums. This will enable you to keep up with customer reviews and react to any discrepancies quickly.
Pro Tip: Keep it balanced (don’t lean too hard on the negative). Share good mentions and positive reviews about your company to increase your credibility.
Optimize Your Online Profiles
Make certain your business profiles on Google Business Profile, Yelp, Facebook, and LinkedIn are full, current, and professional. These should comprise:
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Accurate contact details
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High-quality images
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A detailed explanation of your company and offering
Writing good profiles makes your business look legitimate and demonstrates that you are active and “live” online.
Respond to Customer Reviews
Feedback from customers can make or break your reputation. Whether positive or negative, responding to critiques shows that you appreciate customer feedback and you are dedicated to improving your product or service.
How to Respond:
Positive Reviews: Thank the customer and tell them you’re happy they are loyal.
Example:
“I’m glad to hear it, [Customer Name]! We’re so happy to hear you’re a fan of [specific product/service]. I got plenty more where that came from!”
Negative Reviews: Be Professional and Empathetic, Not Ego-Driven. Apologize and offer to make it right.
Example:
“We’re sad to learn about this experience, [Customer Name]. We’d welcome the opportunity to make things right. Kindly write us at [email] and we will be glad to help you.”
Establish a Strong Online Presence on Social Media
Your social networks are your direct line of contact to your audience. Leverage them to share your brand personality and engage with your followers and deliver valuable content.
Tips for Engagement:
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Post frequently and on an ongoing basis
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Leverage eye-catching visuals and videos.
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Post/showcase customer stories, reviews, and behind-the-scenes footage
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Answer comments and emails right away
Engagement keeps your brand on the mind and in front of your customer, and gives your business a friendly, human face.
Create High-Quality Content
Content marketing is not selling stuff; it is providing value. Share blogs, videos, infographics, and guides that can solve the pain points of your customers, or they must be interested in it.
There are two main advantages to publishing excellent, SEO-optimized content:
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It establishes your brand as an authority in your industry.
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It boosts your visibility on the internet so that you can rank higher in SERPs
Pro Tip: Always gear your titles and text towards your target audience with keyword usage, such as “how to manage business reputation online.”
Recommend Customer Testimonials
Using customer testimonials and case studies is an effective way of establishing trust. And when you make people happy, don’t be afraid to seek a few satisfied customers’ feedback.
How to Ask for Testimonials:
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Automate a follow-up email after a purchase, asking for a review.
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Offer rewards (i.e., discounts or points for those in loyalty programs) for leaving a real opinion.
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Implement a user-friendly review system for customers to conveniently leave a review
Handle PR Issues Swiftly
Even if you are meticulous in cultivating your reputation, errors can occur. The solution is reacting quickly and openly to crises.
Crisis Management Tips:
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Admit the fault in public.
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Apologize in earnest and explain how you’re solving the problem.
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Win serious complaints offline, work them out privately
Successfully navigating challenges can also deepen trust and loyalty.
Collaborate With Influencers
Influencers can do wonders for your online reputation. Collaborate with influencers who share your brand values to feature your services or products.
Pros of Working with Influencers:
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Reach a larger audience.
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Leveraging your association to build credibility
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Drive meaningful engagement
Make sure your partnerships are genuine and that they bring value to all parties.
The Advantages of Having a Positive Online Reputation
An image well-managed is not just a brand safeguard, but a brand lift. Here’s what you can gain:
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Heightened Credibility: Buyers and partners will opt more easily for a brand they trust.
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More money: Good reviews and online reputation = more conversions.
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Resilience: A well-handled reputation can reduce the harm of occasional bad press.
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Better Customer Relationships: Being more involved creates loyalty and long-term success.
Own your business reputation now.
Yes, it’s a lot of work to maintain an online reputation, but it’s worth it. Learn how to gain and KEEP a great reputation in the digital age by being proactive, relating authentically, and responding to feedback.
Never heard of online reputation management before? Just begin doing what I outlined above. Relentless execution combined with a strong plan will give your business the positioning of a trusted authority in your niche.
