In this tech-savvy world, if you own a business, your position on the web is one of the most important assets to your business’s success. People look to the World Wide Web to find out information related to virtually any topic they are interested in, including businesses. For example, if a person is starting to plan a party, he may do an Internet search for an event-planning company that can service his needs.
When using the Internet to find a company, a consumer is not only looking to see what services and products are offered—they are also looking at those companies’ reputations via reviews and testimonials.
If you have a glowing online reputation, you could see a marked increase in the amount of business you do. At the very least, you’ll maintain your current revenue stream.
On the other side of the coin, if you have an online reputation that is marred, the success of your business can take a huge hit. If a disgruntled customer posts a negative review of your business on the Internet, this review could convince potential customers that your company isn’t trustworthy. This review could, in turn, have a negative impact on your company’s success or failure in the future.
What can you do if your business has been marked with the proverbial Scarlet Letter? Here are some tips that can help you restore your online reputation and the success of your business:
Don’t Ignore
The absolute worst thing you can do in the case of a negative comment is ignore it. You may think you are sweeping it under the rug by not acknowledging the negative comment; however, the truth is, ignoring it will give a message to the unsatisfied customer and potential future customers that you simply don’t care.
Apologize
If the negative comments are, indeed, truthful, own up to your mistakes and apologize. If you dropped the ball in any way, say you are sorry for doing so. Don’t make excuses, as they will only add insult to injury; simply say you are sorry and give your word that you will make up for it next time (offer a free service or product in the future to the disgruntled commentator, for example).
Seek Professional Help
Trying to fix a negative online reputation can be a tricky quest. If you aren’t comfortable trying to set the problem straight, don’t try to do so on your own; you could actually add fuel to the fire and further injure your reputation.
Instead, seek the help of a professional online reputation management service. These services will work to not only erase any negative comments your business has received, but they will also give your company a gleaming reputation. Posting positive daily reputation comments about your business and creating positive business-customer relations will give your company the advantage it needs.
Don’t let a negative online reputation scare away potential customers. By fixing your reputation, you can attract more customers and guarantee your business’s success.
What tools do you use to manage your online reputation?
Online Reputation Management: A Guide for Businesses
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