If handled improperly or ineffectively, damage to your reputation can cause your business to fail. For that reason, reputation management is a skill that every burgeoning business owner ought to spend the time to acquire. Staring with the information and guidance presented below is a great way to begin this key process.
Make sure that at least several of your business web pages are optimized for your business name. You want Google to recognize your business homepage as the authoritative Internet site about your business. You want to have the number one search position for your business name, not number two or three behind a Wikipedia article or some blog. Make sure that your website is the first listing someone sees when they Google your brand.
Try using a social network like LinkedIn to help your reputation management. This social network can rank a bit higher than some of the other ones. It is also an important tool for B2B companies. This is because many people like to search for professional services on LinkedIn instead of the search engines.
To make your online business reputation better, optimize web pages using search phrases essential to your business. This is generally your company’s name. Google places a high priority on authoritativeness. When you’re viewed as an authority, the search engines may raise your site in the search results.
Never have a public argument with a member of your audience. This is a great way to show people that you are not concerned with their needs. Whenever there is a public disagreement with a business and an individual, the company is usually made out to be the bad guy, so be careful.
Keep in mind that your online and in-person reputations both matter just as much. There are many people that are great in person yet they are not very great with customers over the Internet. You should be nice either way since you have no idea if this customer will spread negative information that can destroy you.
Try Googling yourself to see what type of information comes up about you. If there is a lot of negative feedback, you can use this to better yourself. In the event that you notice any discrepancies, you should do your best to correct them. You wouldn’t want any misinformation to damage your reputation.
If you are holding a private promotion or sale, don’t make it public. This is important when you offer a substantial discount to compensate for a complaint. You do not want others to lodge similar complaints so that they may take advantage of getting a similar deal.
Try to stay near your customers. If they go to a certain grocery store, be there. By taking an interest in what your customers are doing, you see them for who they really are, and will be able to offer them a much better service. A lot of people will be comfortable when they’re in a setting that’s more social and may open up to let you know what they think.
Do not ask site owners to remove information about you just because it is a bit unflattering. People are entitled to their opinions and you don’t want anyone to think that you believe the opposite. There is a chance that petitioning site owners to remove opinionated statements will backfire on you.
When a businessperson’s reputation takes a hit, the consequences can be quite serious. Knowing how to dodge the bullets and buoy a faltering reputation is essential to ongoing success. By keeping these tips handy at all times, it should be possible for any businessperson to navigate temporarily rough waters and recover fully.