Sometimes we find ourselves trying to keep all the balls in the air at the same time. With so much on your plate with the regular to-do’s, is it possible to manage your online reputation as well? If you’re already managing a lot, your best bet is outsourcing it to an ORM, or an online reputation manager. Trying to deal with negative reviews on Google, Yelp, and the likes is a lot of work, and each platform has its own set of rules that you have to abide by. Addressing the public relations aspect of your business online is one more thing you might have to add to your skillset.
Your online perception can determine how long you stay in business and if your profits grow year after year. Protecting your brand and business is essential to growing your business online and offline. To give you a little boost, we’ve created a shortlist of resources to help you with your online reputation. If you have the time, you can certainly approach these companies yourself, but if you are more focused on the daily duties of running your business, give us a call and let us help.
Has someone recently left a negative review about your company online with Yelp, Google, or one of the other online review sites? If so, first-things-first. You never want to let a negative review go unaddressed. It is important to hit it head-on and rectify the issue as quickly as possible. Letting it go unaddressed will only compound the effect it will have on your long-term reputation. Don’t believe for a second that sweeping it under the rug will make it go away. Online reviews are important and are a vital part of the online community. It’s where users go to find the best place for products and services. If and/or when you get your first 1-star review, take a deep breath and think about your response. Let’s face it, there are jerks all around us. That doesn’t mean you have to be one too!
Address negative reviews with finesse. Respond, don’t react. It is better to let the reviewer know that you are sorry they had a bad experience and that it was never your intention. You should let them know you are looking into the matter and that you would like a second chance to make things right. If the reviewer never responds, at least other reviewers will see that you made an effort and that you care. It is never a good idea to come out with talons and rip them up for what they said. After all, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. If dealing with bad reviews is not your thing, or maybe you bought a business and inherited the previous owner’s bad reviews and you don’t have time to deal with it, the following resources will help.
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