Few things are more crucial than your reputation online? But, are you being proactive? If not, here’s how to start
Let’s assume you are driving along the highway and unfortunately, a drunk driver swerves to your direction, hitting you in the process. In such a scenario, will having a safety belt on be useful before or after the impact?
The same applies to your reputation. You must safeguard it to avoid unfortunate incidents that may ruin your brand or damage your personality. Choose to be proactive, protect your reputation online in the following ways:
Manage Your Online Reviews
A significant percentage of consumers rely heavily on online reviews before choosing to purchase a product. With this regard, it would be unfortunate to have negative reviews or no reviews at all.
Ask your loyal customers to leave positive reviews for every purchase. You can also give them incentives such as of getting a free offer for every survey.
Enhance Your Brand to Rank Higher on Search Engines
Most customers will go for the first, second, or third search options on sites such as Google. They are confident with top-ranking brands since they consider them reputable businesses. It is crucial to have a proper system of review management tools that will steer your brand in the right direction during online searches by customers.
Monitor Your Online Reputation
Employ tools to alert you whenever your brand is mentioned on the internet. Integrate positive reviews into your social media platforms or business website and make them part of your customer testimonials.
If you think the negative review is due to a misunderstanding, contact the customer and seek clarity on the issue. If it is out of malice, report the post and ask the admin to remove it.
Enhance Your Online Security
The main objective of social media account hacks is to damage the reputation of the victim. The hacker may upload images or videos that are inconsistent with your brand.
Protect your social media pages by having a strong password. Further, ensure that you log out of your account every time you log in using another person’s device. Your email account should have two-step verification, an alternative email, and phone number to prevent anyone from gaining access without your authorization.
Respond To Negative Reviews
Protect your reputation online by using polite language when responding to negative reviews. Be objective and listen to the customers’ complaints and if valid, assure them you will look into it for improvement.
Be careful not to drag your competitors into this publicly. Not only will it be difficult to contain, but it will also hurt your brand.
Crisis Management
Your primary objective once things get out of hand should be to protect your brand from suffering further damage. Provide your customers with facts about the situation without twisting or hiding facts.
Inform them what steps you have taken to deal with the incident and how you will prevent such occurrences in the future. Finally, repair your image by empathizing with them. For instance, if an employee was injured at the workplace, cater for medical bills and rehabilitation instead of fighting over who should pay for damages.
Be Proactive!
The internet can either build or bring down your brand. With the above tips, you should have an easy time protecting your reputation online.
Continue reading our blog for more tips.