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.
To help build your company's reputation, you need to claim your name. The name of your company or your product is essential to brand recognition. There are several websites that allow you to check your product's or company's name to ensure that it is not used by someone else.
If your website does not rank on the first few pages of an Internet search, it may be time to invest in a company that specializes search engine optimization. This company will take each of the pages in your website and incorporate keywords throughout it using the latest in SEO practices.
One of the primary ways you can manage your reputation is to claim your business brand online and take charge of the content about you. Use either KnowEm.com, UserNameCheck.com or NameChk.com to locate every online instance of your business name popping up. You only need to use one, but any of them can let you know if anyone out there is misrepresenting your business or speaking ill of you.
Be nice when interacting online. Unless you are truly communicating, people won't care what you write online. Answer any questions that are asked of you; do this as quickly as possible If someone posts a question and you don't have the answer, tell them you don't know but you're working on getting the answer for them.
Set realistic expectations with your customers. If you own a small business, let your customers know when you will respond to their questions. If you cannot answer every question immediately, place a banner saying that all questions will be answered within a certain amount of time, such as within 72 hours.
One good way to improve the reputation of your company is by asking customers who are happy with your service or product to post positive reviews on your blog or website. You can also ask them to say something nice about your company on sites like Linkedln, Google Places or Yelp.
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.
Know where you customers are likely to be. If you know you have customers who frequent a particular spot, join them there. By going to where your customers go, you will get to know them better and be able to provide quality service. Most people are more comfortable in these social settings, so they'll be more likely to let you in.
Pay attention to the reputation your business has offline. Your offline reputation will make its way into the online world. If negative content on your company becomes a trend, you need to know why. Treat all your clients and customers well and urge the happy ones to leave positive reviews on sites like Yelp.
When you are on your social media pages, make sure that you try your best to sound as real as possible. Trying to sound too corporate or too casual will only make you come across as a big phony. It is best to find some middle ground that allows you to act more natural.
Respond as quickly to complaints and concerns as possible. The sooner you fix a problem, the lesser of a problem it becomes. If you wait until a customer has complained across the Internet, it may be too late. Show your customers how much you care to keep them coming back.
Always remember that there is no way to please everyone. There are many business owners that get so discouraged when they get negative feedback that they allow it to mold the shape of their business. While it doesn't feel good to see negative things about you, do not allow it to get you down.
Many sites post fake reviews all over the Internet, and your competitors may be doing this. Rise above the crowd and resist the urge to order false reviews. This is not only bad for business, but some states have laws that make this illegal.
If you are in the business of selling services or products, you should always provide an unconditional money back guarantee. This is essential if you want to be known for great customer service. In the case of returns, you may have to eat your profits, simply because the items cannot be sold again as new. However, you're going to get points in having a reputation that's good in the corporate sense.
When you are online and you know that you want to do something that may ruin your business reputation, you should always use a pseudonym. This will give you someplace to hide so no one knows that it is you. Do not tell anyone about this or you risk the chance of others finding out.
Something like a breach of security in a customer database can really damage a company's reputation. If your company experienced this problem, do not try to hide it. Notify your customers right away and assure them that measures will be taken to boost security of your data. You can minimize damage to your company's reputation with this approach.
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.
Orignal From: Reputation Management - How It Can Help Your Business Thrive
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