Factors that Can Harm Your Online Reputation
Today, it is more important than ever to focus on maintaining your online reputation, especially if you are a business. You are well aware of how fast news spreads on the internet. Within an hour, we see a post plunge to 5000 shares. And bad news spreads quicker than good news. One negative review or comment and everything will go downhill. This not only would cost you clients and revenue, it would discourage a lot of people from joining your team too.
Did you know that 69% of job seekers would turn down an offer from a company with reputation problems? Thus, you need to be very careful in such an environment. Many a time, businesses appoint professionals with expertise and know-hows on reputation management which you can find easily if you search online for Google reputation management services. If you are doing it yourself, here are a few of the factors that can harm your online reputation.
Reviews
This is one of the most important factors that contribute to your online reputation. More often than not, before we make a purchase, we seek out reviews of the product. Online reviews are the easiest to access which is why most of us head there first. There are many ways in which people may review your company and products from social media to posting on your website. It is just a human tendency to get assurance from other people. And if your potential consumers see a bunch of negative reviews, would it not affect their decision?
How you tackle reviews
Now, how you respond to those reviews speaks about your company straight away. Firstly, you should provide prompt and timely replies. Slow or postponed replies present a very laid-back attitude of your firm.
You need to handle both positive and negative reviews with extreme care. For the positive ones, you should consider interacting with the consumers to build a bond. Your way of appreciation will help your online reputation a lot, especially if it is on a popular platform like Twitter. For the negative ones, never leave them unanswered. Try solving the problem they faced and letting them know that it has been rectified or that you would pay more attention to it next time. This shows that you are actively involved and that you care. A very bad step would be to delete the negative comment. If it is noticed, there can be uproar.
Social media
If you are on social media such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, you must be active, constantly posting quality content or updating your audience on your company. If you are not on social media, get on it right away. These platforms are great for interactions with your consumers or potential consumers. It also helps in building confidence in your brand and contributes to customer loyalty as well. But you must be alert of what you are posting. For example, if you are a fashion brand sharing jokes on racism, how would that make you look? You need to maintain a sense of poise on the web to maintain your reputation.
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