You would have heard people say, "A good reputation is more valuable than money", and in the case of small businesses, a good reputation can generate money. For a long time, terms like online reputation and PR were reserved for the big brands and celebrities. But now we live in the internet age where 71% of consumers browse Google before they start their purchase. This makes it essential for your business to show up in the SERPs with trustworthy and reputable reviews.

What is Online Reputation Management (ORM)?

ORM is a multi-faceted concept; in simple terms, it can be defined as the process of a positive public view of a brand, business, or even a person on the internet. 

You create this perception of your business or brand through the content you post on your brand's social media sites, information, and press releases. It also involves a third party who can be your customer or media since they provide reviews and post comments about your brand. 

Strategies to Manage Your Business' Online Reputation

Well-planned strategies can build your online reputation and, in turn, can increase your profits. Here are 8 efficient ways in which you can maintain your small business's online reputation. 

1. Excellent service is the key

We agree that marketing is essential, but no amount of marketing can save a redundant product or service. Better the service better is your chance at getting positive reviews from your customers, and your brand would also get recommended to more people.

From time to time, throw in some offers to attract more customers. For example, you can offer discounts for loyal customers or, if possible, giveaways.

2. Monitor your reputation

88% of the small businesses conduct online reputation monitoring at least quarterly. If you want it to be effective, do it more frequently,like bi-monthly or even weekly. When you monitor your brand's online reputation, you will get an idea of your customer's concerns and the complaints that you have to make right. After this, you can create strategies that complement these results, making them more effective.

3. Reviews can make or break

Good reviews and comments can make your business more credible. Thus, encourage your customers to leave comments and reviews about your product or service.

But everything cannot be sunshine and rainbows all the time, and thus you should be prepared for any comment you receive. Take positive reviews as encouragement and negative reviews as stepping stones for improvement.

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 Read Also: Why customer reviews are critical 

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4. Keep in Touch – Always

The online platform is a public space, and everything you do in that space impacts your brand's reputation in its way. Make sure to reply to your customers' reviews publicly since building a rapport with your customers is essential for your reputation. 

There is no way to satisfy everyone, and thus negative reviews are inevitable. Though you might be upset with the comment, you cannot maintain radio silence. Respond to negative reviews publicly by reaching out to the customer and get to know the problem. This helps create an authentic vibe about your brand. 

Now do not forget about positive reviews since typing a short thank you might only require seconds of your time but can do miracles for your brand.

5. Use Communication Channels Wisely

With the numerous options you have, make sure to figure out which works for you best. The audience you are trying to reach and the message you hope to deliver should influence the platform you use.

For example, if you are trying to start a conversation about a new product you are launching, you cannot do it by email. Thus, don't restrict yourself to just one communication channel since 64% of the small businesses maintain two or more communication channels to reach out to the customers.

5. Get Anchor Links

An anchor link refers to a piece of large text on a hyperlink format page. Getting these anchor links for your website can help improve your SEO and build your reputation in Google. This, in turn, results in better visibility and direct traffic to your website. 

When you go with anchor linking, you can add some essential keywords in the link name, making your brand look credible and professional.

7. Try Google Alerts

Google Alerts can help small businesses a great deal since you get free email updates every time your search terms get mentioned on Google. If you set alerts for your business' name or anything that lets people know about your business, it can profit the small businesses immensely. While selecting the words for alerts, do some research, choose the ones that will narrow down the results, and ensure that only the most relevant ones appear.

8. Focus on Customer Preferences

What use is reputation without the people who shape it? Understanding your target audience can help you find effective ways to manage your business's online reputation. Thus, take some time to find your customer's wants and needs to ensure that you are on the right track. It is easiest to obtain this information on social media platforms since customers expect you to engage with them. Careful planning of the strategies on par with the customer preference can increase your credibility. 

Before We Go

Maintaining a good online reputation can be tricky, especially with small businesses, given the workforce and time required. If you want help with content creation for your social media sites or your brand's online reputation, feel free to contact us at https://www.localbiznetwork.com/contact.php.