What people learn about you online shapes how they think of you. A good reputation builds trust; a bad reputation keeps people from coming to you. You’re not just going to protect yourself against negative things – you’re building a base for attracting new opportunities. In this article, we’ll talk about why online reputation management matters, and how you can start to develop a strong digital footprint.
What is Online Reputation Management?
Online reputation management (ORM) is the act of watching over, adjusting, and improving how people perceive you or your business online. Through multiple methods, you are able to shape the story of who you are, and build credibility and a positive image. ORM is comprised of several areas including responding to negative reviews, showcasing positive content, and utilizing tools to watch for references to you online.
Your reputation is your “digital handshake” as a business owner. If you have a strong reputation, you will grow; if you don’t, you will lose customers.
Why is Online Reputation Management Important?
People research before they buy products, and they do that online. People read reviews, visit your social media pages, and compare prices. One bad review or one negative post could ruin your credibility.
Here’s why ORM is important:
Trust: People believe online reviews the same way they believe personal referrals.
Sales/Revenue: Good reputations attract more customers and better sales.
Damage Control/Crisis Management: ORM gives you the ability to manage the fallout from damaging negative press.
Brand Identity/Image: It makes sure your brand is viewed positively and consistently across all of your online presence.
If you aren’t proactively doing ORM, you are leaving your business open to misinformation and online backlash.
How to Build and Manage an Online Presence Using Online Reputation Management Strategies
To successfully use ORM strategies, you need to be proactive. Here are ways to build and maintain a good online presence:
Watch Mentions: Use a tool such as Google Alerts to keep tabs on when your name or company is referenced online.
Ask Customers for Reviews: Ask happy customers to write reviews on platforms such as Google, Yelp, etc.
Quick Response: Quickly respond to any negative feedback to show you care.
Showcase Success Stories: Create blogs, testimonials, and case studies to dominate search results.
Be Present on Social Media: Answer comments, share information about your business, and showcase the personality of your brand on social media.
Answer Problems Head-On: If there is a problem, take responsibility for it, and solve it in the best way you can in the public eye when necessary.
Consistency and Authenticity are Key in Online Reputation Management.
How to Choose The Best Online Reputation Management Tools
Tools for online reputation management make tracking and enhancing your online presence easier. They allow you to watch for mentions of your brand, evaluate your reputation, and take action as necessary. Below is a brief overview of some popular tools:
Google Alerts: Is simple, easy to understand, and free, and it alerts you anytime your company or name is referenced online.
Ahrefs: Is known for SEO, and is useful for watching backlinks, and mentions to find positive or negative trends.
SEMrush: Has a complete suite of tools to assist you in tracking your online exposure and managing your reputation.
HootSuite: Is ideal for managing social media accounts, scheduling posts, and connecting with your followers.
Choose the right reputation management tool for your needs, because each tool has its own benefits. If you are focusing on social media, then HootSuite is a good choice. If you want to monitor the internet at large, then Google Alerts is a good place to begin. If you have more complex objectives, then Ahrefs or SEMrush may be more beneficial for you.
You should always consider your budget and the scope of your needs when choosing an ORM tool. A quality ORM tool can provide you with more time, can make it easier for you to manage your reputation, and can give you piece of mind.
How to Deal with Customer Reviews and Feedback
Reviews from customers can either positively or negatively affect your reputation. Here is how to deal with reviews:
Good Reviews: Thank the customer and promote their feedback on your social media and/or website.
Bad Reviews: Remain calm, acknowledge the problem, and come up with a resolution. Do not fight or defend against the review.
Fake Reviews: Contact the platform to report the fake reviews and try to remove them. Try to bring proof when possible.
Proactive Feedback Request: Ask for feedback from customers after providing them with a positive experience.
All reviews give you the opportunity to show your dedication to satisfying your customers.
The Role of Social Media in Online Reputation Management
Social media is a very effective means of managing your reputation online. Both praise and criticism are amplified via social media, which makes it imperative to remain actively engaged.
Here is how social media relates to ORM:
Instant Engagement: Respond immediately to questions and complaints from customers.
Sharing Content: Share positive experiences, customer testimonials, and other relevant updates about your business on social media.
Crisis Management: Actively address any negative trends or negative posts before they become bigger problems.
Building a Community: Connect with your followers to build a community that is loyal to your business.
It is critical to be consistent with your message and tone in social media.
Online Reputation Management vs. SEO and PR
While ORM, SEO, and PR are related, they each fulfill separate functions:
ORM: Focuses on developing a positive image, and resolving issues.
SEO: Optimizes your content to rank higher in search engines.
PR: Handles public perception, and manages relationships with media outlets.
By combining these three approaches, you will have a well-rounded method to manage your brand.
NewReputation Can Help You With Your Reputation Management Needs
Managing your online reputation can be difficult and time-consuming. This is where NewReputation comes in.
We have a staff of experienced professionals who provide customized ORM solutions to assist you in:
Monitoring your online presence.
Enhancing your search engine ranking.
Effectively dealing with negative content.
Developing a positive image of your brand that brings in customers.
Let us manage your ORM, so you can focus on growing your business.
Start Taking Control of Your Reputation Now!
Do not let your reputation fall into the hands of chance. We can help you protect your image, build trust, and drive success through our professional services.
Get in touch with us today for a free consultation to see how we can assist.