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Why Is Online Reputation Important?

Do you want to know what online reputation really means? The definition found in Wikipedia translates to “A management that influences and controls or conceals an individual or groups reputation.” In today’s world, anyone can do a quick search on your business online and post their judgment on your business within seconds. That is how fast marketing works in today’s world. Everyone is constantly looking and searching for the best of the best. Within seconds, we can search for businesses in our area, good reviews and negative. And by the click of a button, we can call that local business and get what we want. It can get upsetting when your years of hard work are discredited because of negative coverage that appears online. Online reputation provides you with a chance to counter negative feedback. It also creates an opportunity to promote the experience of your positive mentions. An effective online reputation management strategy can provide you with new and improved opportunities and insights that can increase your brand tremendously. Now you may ask why this is important to have or maintain? 

Everyday people are reviewing businesses with star ratings, comments, social media, posts, blogs, and so much more. Knowing what people are saying about your business is invaluable. 

Reputation management provides you with a chance to counter negative feedback from everyone around you. It also creates a space to promise the experience of your positive mentions. The importance of having an online reputation management process in place is non negotiable. Here are a couple things below that you should consider. 

Trust and Credibility- Having the trust of your clients is a major success. Your clients discuss your business with all of their friends and family on the daily. Once you build that trust with that client, they will then spread the word like a forest fire. But the key is building the trust. Data shows that if an organization has a good reputation, consumers will find that company more credible than its competitors. 

Recruitment- Having staff is the foundation for a successful workplace. In today’s world, 92% of companies are using social media for recruiting. A company’s reputation matters for employers more than ever before. It can have a serious impact on the quality of recruitment.

Images- Having a corporate image is a marketing tool for your company. If you can warm the hearts of your customers, then I promise you will expect them to always remember you and treat you like family. You will not need to spend time trying to convince your customers to use your products, they will naturally do it because that connection and vibe is there. Google your business name and scroll through your results. Did you find information that does not accurately represent your business? If you did, I am glad I am able to bring to your attention why this method is so important to have and utilize. Social media is our future. Posting videos, pictures, and content is how your company will advertise and grow.

So where do we go from here? Knowing the importance of why you need an online reputation is the main key. After you establish the importance of it and gaining good customer service with your clients, the sky’s the limit. So what do you say? Are you ready to build a business based on success, or just be another business found on maps? 

Ways To Keep Customers During COVID-19?

Communication is key. Communicate proactively with your customers. Let your customers know if you’re closing your doors, changing your hours, and what steps you’re taking to keep your employees and work environment safe and clean. If your store is closing, notify your customers on their social media channels, through email and on your website. Why is this important you may ask? Social Media and Instant Communication is what our generation is thirsty for. We have to stay on top of our customers and clients. The situation is evolving rapidly and no one is quite sure what news each day will bring. Customers can empathize with merchants facing a crisis, as long as you communicate with them properly. 

We need to recognize that most consumers are craving entertainment while being quarantined at home. Everyone is on their computer, their cell phone, or ipad like crazy these days. So not only is posting content and scrolling, but communicating with our customers will always be the root of the growth of your business. Promoting your business is key as well. If you are a restaurant, hold products online, or any kind of resource business. Promoting gift cards, ads, and videos will guarantee that return when customers see that this is available. Especially restaurants where  margins are already notoriously thin, gift cards can help you stay afloat until the crisis passes. For example, customers in New York are going on their way to make sure local cafes, bars, and eateries don’t go under. So gift cards provide an easy way to keep cash flowing and moving. You can offer an e-card program to reduce the risk of iman contact or work with a third party delivery partner like Uber Eats to accept their gift cards at your location. 

Stream or video chat services can be another good resource and idea to help keep your name on Google. Go digital with your services to continue to provide access to your customers who are sitting at home. People want to see your story, the people in your business, and movement in the company. There are several companies online such as “Vimeo” or “Loom” channel that allows customers to pay for videos with commonly requested information. 

Lastly, using discounts to your advantage is super helpful.  Now is a good time to entice long-term purchases with discounts. If it aligns with your business model, encourage customers to lock in a year membership now at a decent rate. Gyms can offer a discount for memberships starting after the virus passes. If you have a retail store, consider offering free or discounted shipping for online orders. You can be the hands and feet to small businesses in your local area or community. Think simple. You don’t have to pay huge companies to do simple tasks in your community or online. Figure out the need in your neighborhood and start there. 

These simple steps I listed are just a few ways to increase your business and growth. Stay consistent with your customers. Post images, videos, and use discounts so people keep coming back. People are online more than every right now. By the click of a button or a small discount code, people will engage with your name and business more than ever. Are you ready to take a leap?