Reputation management has become a large concern for businesses because of the internet. One bad comment can linger online forever and can spiral out of control, even if it is completely false. So businesses need to take a proactive approach and build up a good reputation so that if there is a problem it is quickly taken care of. Here are some good tips to get you started.
Make sure that at least several of your business web pages are optimized for your business name. You want Google to recognize your business homepage as the authoritative Internet site about your business. You want to have the number one search position for your business name, not number two or three behind a Wikipedia article or some blog. Make sure that your website is the first listing someone sees when they Google your brand.
Try using a social network like LinkedIn to help your reputation management. This social network can rank a bit higher than some of the other ones. It is also an important tool for B2B companies. This is because many people like to search for professional services on LinkedIn instead of the search engines.
Try searching for your company online like your customers would. It is possible that doing searches on your computer may yield very different results than your potential customers. This may be due to your personalization options. Try turning off these options to get a better idea of your search engine results.
Blogs are wonderful ways to bolster your online presence and increase your company’s reputation. Feature guest bloggers in your industry, offer tips on how to use your products and other information that will help your customers. One of the best strategies is to feature other businesses that compliment your products and services.
If your business is listed on a rating site that allows business owners to respond, make sure that you take advantage of this. Whether the feedback you are given is good or bad, you should respond to it. Thank people who have nothing but praise and offer something to those that are unsatisfied.
To start your business reputation on the right foot, keep your branding simple. Use a clean typeface and color palette. Make sure your logo is simple and clearly communicates what you do and stand for. These items must be able to work on all your corporate materials. Try to avoid using complex and convoluted items in your branding.
Stay wary of what gets shared online. You can’t be sure how it’s used later, so be careful. Even a small number of people can spread bad publicity to the masses.
Knowing your customers is a good way to protect the reputation of your business. Be sure to talk and poll your customers. Find out what they love and don’t love about your company. Being aware of what they love will help you talk about those things. Knowing what they dislike gives you the chance to address it or fix it. It also makes you more prepared in case your reputation is attacked.
The reputation that your business has is very important. The internet has made it easier than ever for people to comment on businesses and what they like or do not like. So businesses have to be actively involved in managing their reputation. Start with the tips above and ensure that your business maintains a good reputation.