When you have your business you set up a Facebook page and think that you are in control of your online destiny. You put a blog post, upload a few posts to Facebook and your profile is itself taking care of everything.
Hold for a second. I’ve got you a question. When we google ourselves we may find different versions of ourselves. That’s more prevalent than you might guess. However, results can be quite alarming while searching for your business.
While you have control of your website and Facebook page, you’ll likely find a large amount of ‘other’ information that you have no control over and haven’t contributed to. Business listings, reviews, and images of your business seem to appear from nowhere.
The potential for damage can be quite daunting. Your business reputation could be at stake and it’s easy to feel like you have no control over what’s being said.
What do we understand by reputation monitoring?
Your online profile can be a blessing for you. But it doesn’t take much time for it to change into a curse. So, your business reputation must be clean wherever possible.
Search engines reveal everything. You can’t hide anywhere. Surely, your potential customer will google you to ensure that your business is genuine and they are dealing with a reputed and respectable corporation. According to recent studies, it was found that 90% of customers read online reviews before taking any action. Reviews can be very crucial for the success of your business and gaining the trust of your customers.
Let’s discuss the reasons why you need to monitor your online reputation.
Every review and Facebook news matter in your business. It can make or break your business. So here are 5 reasons you should keep your online reputation in check.
- Your online presence is everywhere
All social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, quora, Google reviews, and Linkedin your customers will find you on any of these platforms.
Social media platforms can be a game changer as it gives you the power to share positive feedback with your potential audience. You have to keep a track of your customers’ activity. What they comment on, their conversation, and what they think and feel about your business. This does not mean that you should hide. These are the things you should embrace.
Participate in the conversation. Don’t ignore comments, reply to the comments positively and professionally even to the bad ones. Your way of responding to the comments says a lot about you and your business.
- Responding to reviews is a must
Reviews are very important for the success of your business. It makes the new customers take action. Engaging with your audience leaves a good impression. Respond to the recommendation or even to a negative comment. Show them that you care. Responding to negative comments in a positive manner minimizes any damage to your reputation.
- Unknown website listing
There are several online directories in the present day. Some of the common ones are Yelp and Trip advisor.
Some of this could be quite innocuous. Perhaps your SEO agency added your company to a directory to help create backlinks. Delivering the directory itself has a good sign this is fine. It is recommended that you, or your agency, keep a trace of directories that ‘go rogue’ and whose link back to you harms your site. These may require to be refuted in Google’s Search Console outlet.
It’s also worth looking at companies that may have been recorded with the equivalent or related company titles. Assure you contend your company title on as many of the well-established company directories as soon as probable.
- Claiming Back Your Listings Can Take Time
Anybody can list your company online.
It’s similar to how we can purchase our business domain names and enter our business on social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; anyone else can do the same thing.
In a community of catfishing, where people get emulated, it’s not odd for companies to become victims, the same as somebody. The good news is, that if someone does roster your company, you can take steps to redeem custody.
Whilst platforms such as Google and Facebook are terrific at legislating this, sadly, the method isn’t immediate. You’ll possibly be required to ascertain several forms of credentials and confirmation. During that period you’ve got no custody of what’s occurring online.
You can contend back your Google listing or claim the privilege of a prevailing listing here. There are several variables on Facebook but the ‘Reporting a Violation of your Rights’ page might be a decent place to commence.
- People Trust People
Online reviews are influential. Just as in real life, people online believe other people.
Time is rapidly serving an unusual entity and people hardly perform any fact-checking. Just plopping 5 golden stars on your website can unconsciously transform an infrequent visitor into a customer. Also, a negative review can be hugely harmful to your company.
It is recommended to social proof your website — it’s a fast and simple manner to showcase your customer list and illustrate that your company is loyal. Emphasizing customer logos, and acknowledgments and linking to other review outlets instantly from your site enables building faith.
Conclusion
Just like in real life, your online reputation is not easy to keep track of. Engage with your audience and show them that they are your prime priority. Respond to their comments regardless of positive order or negative but very politely. Listen to their recommendations. The only thing that must not be done is to ignore them. They have also contributed to your success so don’t disappoint them.
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