While it’s impossible to stay on top and address everything that’s said about your brand over the Web, there are things you can do to manage your business reputation online.
Maintaining and controlling the reputation of a business online is critical to its success. The Internet has made it easy for consumers to share their insights and criticisms with the rest of the world. And as we all know, negative feedback can be potentially disastrous for any entrepreneurial venture.
In this guide, we’ll discuss a few practices, strategies, and tips; that will enable you to keep the public perception of your company consistently favorable. Continue reading if you want to learn more.
Table of contents
5 Steps To Manage Your Business Reputation Online
Build Your Business Reputation Online
Before you can begin to manage your business online reputation, you must first build it. And one of the best ways of doing so is by soliciting positive reviews. However, as any experienced entrepreneur knows; you can’t cut corners when encouraging customers to write good things about your brand on digital platforms; like social media or your website. Only those satisfied with your offerings will do.
Therefore, you must always aim to deliver exceptional service. Nevertheless, it’s the only way to counter negative reviews; which are almost always by consumers who are eager to vent out their frustrations to anyone willing to listen. Here are a few ways you can ask customers; who are happy with their experience with your brand for their insight.
Stay Connected With Your Customers
Customers are less likely to write a review about a brand; if it fails to stay on top of their minds. So ensure that you stay connected with them after they’ve done business with you; or visited your website for better online reputation management.
In case if you run an eCommerce store, you can ask them for their comments after every transaction. You can also use a CTA or call-to-action to encourage email signups; allowing you to connect with users and ask for their feedback.
If you run a physical store, you can set up a mobile device like a tablet or a computer; that customers can interact with to give their two cents’ worth about your business. You can then post the reviews on your online domain or social media pages.
Look At Social Media Platforms
Most businesses today have a social presence on at least one of the popular networking websites. With billions of active users, it gives them a sizable consumer pool to tap into; after all, making it an excellent digital marketing tool.
But beyond attracting prospective customers, social media is also an ideal platform to connect with and ask people for reviews. Because of the exposure that this digital channel can create, reviews posted on social media will reach more users; giving you more leads and conversions as a result.
Respond To Negative Feedback
No business is immune from negative feedback. Even the most reputable brands can and will attract their fair share of criticism. However, what separates highly regarded enterprises from those that aren’t is how they address these comments. So ensure that you respond to any expressions of disapproval the right way.
Always be polite, fair, and apologetic if need be, even if the reviews are particularly scathing and unjust. Because, two wrongs won’t make things right, and by taking a better stand; you’re likely to win over dissatisfied customers and even attract more consumers.
Also, while it’s usually better to respond to every negative review you receive; you’ll want to stay away from feedback that appears like trolling. Instead, it’s a good idea to report these comments if they appear to be unfair.
Monitor Any Brand Mentions To Manage Your Business Online Reputation
More often than not, many companies only realize that their image online is being damaged; when it’s too late and sales start dropping. When you get right down to it, negative feedback won’t just magically appear inside your inbox.
Therefore, it makes sense to always stay on top of things and monitor any mentions of your brand online. It seems more tedious than it is, and various tools can help you in this effort. For starters, Google Alerts is one of the most widely famous tools for monitoring brand mentions. Tweet Alarm, Topsy, and Social Mention are pretty useful too.
Conclusion
The reputation of business matters. After all, consumers won’t do business with a brand that they feel is disreputable or untrustworthy. So follow these tips and practices to manage your business reputation online. In doing so, you’ll be able to draw in more customers and generate more sales for your business.
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