Reputation management is more important than ever in today’s digital marketplace, no matter what industry you’re in! As with most business initiatives, it’s important to make a plan, or else it won’t get done, and slacking on reputation management is definitely NOT in your company’s best interests. What your target audience finds on Google is important and as a result, can define the breadth of that audience and ultimately the success of your business.
What should you consider when building a comprehensive reputation management plan?
Don’t Pretend Consumers Aren’t Talking — They Are
The first step is to recognize that just because you are able to successfully block out the noise doesn’t mean there isn’t any. People are talking, and they’re talking online in public forums about your business.
If they’re happy with what your company provides, that’s good news! If they aren’t satisfied, it’s bad. Don’t believe that any publicity is good. This isn’t true when it comes to consumers and online reviews. Negative reviews directly translate to lost business, so taking a proactive approach with a reputation management system is vital.
Treat Google Results Like Your Business Card (Hint: This Means You Need SEO!)
First, assess what comes up when you search your brand’s name. Are your competitors landing above you in the search results? If so, remember this is what your customers are seeing, too. It means it’s time to invest in quality SEO services.
The first step toward earning a positive reputation is making sure your customers find the right information when they’re searching for your services. If your direct competitors have exploited your previous lack of an SEO strategy, it’s time to turn this around.
Claim Your Presence on All Platforms
One of the first steps to enhancing your image online is to make sure you are online. Claim your business profile on all available platforms. This includes Yelp, Google My Business, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Once you have claimed all the platforms where customers could be leaving feedback about your business, you have more control over how you respond and build up a positive image.
Be Proactive About Positivity
You can’t sit back and wait until your customers are so happy with what you do that they take time out of their day to look you up and write a review for you. When you make it easy for them to post a good review, you’re making it easier to win the next customer too.
Use a system like Accrue Reviews, which allows business owners to send a quick text or email to their customers after their transaction, asking for feedback. If the review is good, it’s posted publicly for the world to see. If the relationship has to be mended, the business owner can address the issue before it goes online.
Don’t Go it Alone
In the everyday life of a small business owner, there is no time in the day to constantly try to get in touch with customers and convince them to leave online reviews. You need a streamlined system to help you with quality control of your reputation management plan. That’s where Accrue Reviews comes in. You’ll see a boost in your positive review score!