Every business is bound to have an unhappy customer. Complaints can be settled, but the customer may leave a negative comment online about your company. This can badly influence your potential customers. To counter the effects of such, you’ll need to have an online reputation management plan. In this article, you’ll learn a few ways to manage your online reputation.
1. Expand Your Internet Presence
There are many platforms that a business can use apart from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Depending on your business type, you can consider other platforms like LinkedIn and Pinterest. This online presence will engage your customers more. In case of a negative review, you’ll have control over the top search results related to your business.
2. Be Active on The Social Media Accounts
After creating multiple social media accounts, you’ll also need to maintain them. This is by updating them regularly and filling them with interesting content. This won’t only bring you much organic following but will also help you manage your reputation in a negative posting. If your accounts are too neglected, you might not be able to counter any negative comments online.
3. Post and React to Online Reviews
Most people will read the reviews of a business online before engaging with them. With this in mind, you should always request your happy customers to leave a review online. This will ensure that positive reviews are more than negative reviews. In case of a negative review, the management should respond and offer compensation after apologizing. Mostly a good customer will update their review to something better after compensation.
4. Pay Attention to The Feedback
Some feedback, even negative, could be valid. If a customer complains about something repeatedly, instead of dismissing them, it’s best to amend the issue as long as it drives your business forward. How you handle criticism online is very crucial. If you ignore or reply rudely to negative feedback, you could be sending even potential customers away.
5. Invest in An Online Reputation Management
You’ll require time and money to establish your reputation online. You should do it as early as possible and not rush when there’s already a problem. An online reputation that is well managed is always beneficial to the business. You can visit https://www.firstpagedigital.sg/reputation-management/ to get started with online reputation management.
6. Don’t Argue Online
If you engage in an online argument, despite who is right, it comes off as unprofessional and could tarnish the reputation of your business. It’s better to try and resolve it offline than try to defend yourself. Remember, the customer has barely anything to lose, but you have your business at stake.
7. Blog More Often
Blogging manages your online reputation in different ways. First, you can showcase your expertise in the field by giving information about your industry. The other way is by providing answers to frequently asked questions about your products. This will gather you loyal followers who will help counter negative feedback.
Conclusion
If you follow the tips above and improve your online reputation management, your business won’t be adversely affected if someone leaves negative feedback online. Good online reputation management will require a certain cost to start, but it will be rewarding should an incident occur. It doesn’t mean that your business won’t be attacked; it means it will be easier to mitigate the damage. It’s just like insurance.
