Did you know that while researching a company, 65 percent of consumers trust online search engine reviews? There is no greater blunder for a business than getting an unsatisfied and disappointed customer. Not to mention, in this on-the-go environment, word of mouth moves at the speed of light, so it doesn’t take long for a consumer to use online forums to alert others about a specific brand. Businesses today recognize the value of a positive online image and the influence that a customer holds. It is extremely difficult to win endorsements or, even worse, target new customers once a brand has been a victim of consumer attack. The key to reducing the effect of derogatory feedback on the internet is to have online reputation management measures in place before a crisis occurs. To retain brand image and legitimacy, some third-party firms provide online reputation management services.
How do you boost the brand’s online reputation management?
Any business with a digital brick-and-mortar store on the internet should use online reputation management (ORM). A company’s brand identity is a critical and vital commodity. The following guide to improving online credibility is intended not just for brands with a bad reputation but also for businesses who are new to this competitive environment.
- Capture Reviews from Your Previous Customers
Among the online reputation management tips, this is the simplest. You’re missing a lot of conversions if your brand has thousands of customers but not enough feedback to inform web users about how excellent your services are. You can still submit a feedback form or an email blast to your past customers if you haven’t got any reviews.
It is also not necessary for all of your reviews to be 5-star or 4-star; it is common to have a mix of reviews for your services. Furthermore, if you have a number of favorable reviews, they will outnumber the negative ones, ensuring that your brand remains strong and genuine in terms of customer service and satisfaction. Since no brand is flawless, don’t be discouraged by negative feedback. While they may be demoralizing to a company’s services, negative reviews are a form of constructive feedback.
- Expand Your Online Presence
So, where do people learn more about a business and its products and services? Some would say Google, while others might say Facebook, and still, others might say Yelp. Overall, there is no ideal response to this issue. Consumers use a variety of tools to learn more about a company and its services. Only having a Facebook page isn’t enough. As a brand marketer, you must build pages on all of the sites mentioned above. Include details such as the website address, phone number, physical address, and business hours. These pages must also be tracked regularly, which is a task that can be easily achieved with the best online reputation management software on the market. Examine all of the customer feedback, and if you come across one that is negative, inquire as to what went wrong, any advice for future orders, and their expectations.
- Ask Customers to Upload Their Pictures
What is the reason for this? Since 77 percent of customers state that customer images influence their purchasing decisions. Customers may be asked to review a product they recently purchased on a website, as well as upload a photo. Customer-reviewed images are thought to be genuine, and many consumers base their purchasing decisions on them. Such reviews boost your online credibility and inspire other customers to interact with your company.
Whenever possible, use your customers to tell your story. They are trusted more than the business itself. This is because they have nothing to gain from a good review and nothing to lose from a bad one. In the industry, we call these “brand ambassadors.” They champion on behalf of your business, and they don’t even get paid for it.
- Respond to Customer Complaints and Queries Publicly
It is common for users to leave negative feedback on your public pages. It is your duty as a trustworthy brand to treat such circumstances professionally. Ignoring such complaints will not solve the issue. Instead, they settle their grievances in front of the media. Never miss a chance to talk to your clients. While negative reviews might look bad on paper, they provide you with constructive feedback that will prove invaluable to making your business that much better.
- Share User-Generated Content on Your Social Pages
Not every customer who leaves a review for a product will also have a picture. You can post user-generated content on your social media accounts in this situation. It gives other customers social proof and makes them trust your brand. I would suggest making sure you have permission to showcase a person’s review before making it public. Some users have personal details and do not wish to be harassed by others for their opinion.
- Work with Influencers of Your Business Genre
Influencer marketing is a fantastic method for promoting a brand, creating relationships, and engaging customers. It has a long history in the digital market and significantly impacts customer behavior and attitude. According to a survey, 90 percent of customers trust influencer reviews and are more likely to trust a brand that they have recommended. Influencers will help you improve your online reputation by growing your brand’s scope and credibility. Influencer-generated content creates a lot of views, likes, and interactions with your brand on social media.
- Power Your Online Brand Marketing Strategy with the Available Tools
There are a number of resources on the market that can assist you in assessing and analyzing the brand’s online credibility. When anyone talks about your brand, tags its pages or mentions its name in their stories, these tools will alert you. Google Alerts, Buzzsumo, Reputology, Mention, YouScan, Similar Web, Buffer, and SentiOne are just a few of the resources that can help you manage your brand’s online credibility effectively.
Are you ready to boost your brand’s online reputation?
The above was carefully crafted for the business that is just starting, but for companies that may be a little older. Many older businesses have not come around to the fact that they need to have a web presence. I hope that when they read the above article, they will be ready to start applying the full benefit of the internet and the review system to their business. I think they will be pleasantly surprised at just how much more company they can get by completing a few simple steps. Your online reputation is nothing to play with. If you are ready to make a change, please contact my team of experts and me. We will ensure that your reputation is the best it can be.