The one thing every business relies on the most to win over
customers is their reputation. If your company image isn't a good one, then
you're going to forever suffer with gaining the trust of your audience. And if
that's the case, good luck with converting them into customers. Local
businesses should definitely take heed, especially since a lot of mobile device
users are using the Web to find local businesses to shop at. Your online
reputation management strategy is key for increasing foot traffic, don't overlook
this!
No Business is Perfect
Every company has its share of negative reviews circulating
the Internet, but this shouldn't deter you from getting a hold of what people
see about your brand on the Web. The idea here is to try and resolve issues
that are within reason. It will help you to possibly win back a customer you
would have otherwise lost and it shows others reviewing the conversation that
your brand is willing to go over and beyond to rectify mistakes. It's a
win-win-win situation - the customer gets what they want, you win back their
trust and you possibly get the business of new prospects.
There's No Turning Away
Once you understand the impact the Internet has over your
business, you can't deny the importance of online reputation management
services. If you're not willing to do it yourself, then it's a good idea to
hire an agency to do it for you. You need more than just a website to represent
your local business. You need a solid strategy that incorporates content
marketing, search engine optimisation and social media marketing. Together,
these will help give you the reigns for your online image. Remember, it will
cost your business a whole lot more if you disregard the importance of managing
your reputation.
Here are some ways you can improve your brand's online
existence.
Spread Your Presence Everywhere that's Relevant
Where are your customers? Where are people talking about
your brand? Where are people potentially going to talk about your brand? You
need to analyse this to determine which venues you need to be targeting for your
online reputation management strategy. As a rule of thumb, you should have
profiles on social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Google+. But would it
make sense to also have accounts on Pinterest, Instagram and Snapchat? Only if
it will benefit your particular business.
Update Your Social Profiles Frequently
Social media isn't a set it and forget it method. You need
to be diligent with posting content frequently, so that your followers have
something to interact with. The goal is to get them to comment on, like and
share. If they're doing these things, then they're helping you to create more
buzz for your business. If you don't have the time or the know-how to pull this
off, then consider hiring reputation management services.
Claim Your Brands and Products
If you have multiple brands or popular products that are
more well-known than your actual brand name, then consider making social
profiles for those as well. It's about taking control over the keywords people
use, so make sure you are implementing those keywords into your profiles and in
any marketing content you post. Keywords should include names of brands and
products.
Create Profiles for Key Individuals
The founders, owners or executives of your brand should have
profiles on social media, especially if they are distinct. It's better to have
some presence than no presence, because this will only leave the door wide open
for defamers to trash your brand. Just make sure these individuals keep a low
profile, so that they don't end up causing harm to your company image. It's a
good idea to set up some type of online reputation management guidelines, so everyone
knows what to do and what not to do. This can potentially save your business a
whole lot of heartache down the road.
By Hugh Benjamin - Article Source: EzineArticles.com/9738420
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