By Patricia Bosa                                                                                                            Image: Freepik



Let's say you just started a new digital marketing business. 

You offer some of the best services in the country, and you managed to hire a team with lots of experience in the industry. True, it's a lot of prospects. 

But what if, with all of the strings you've had to pull setting up your business, nobody knows you, or worse, some blogs have said a few ill things about your brand online?

If you're thinking what I'm thinking, then we both know that's not good for your business.  

Well, this is the exact same issue that a lot of businesses of all sizes have to deal with. 

So, the question in a lot of business owner's minds is, how do we solidify our business reputation management out there? 

That's a good question! You need strategies that work. But you're yet to apply these strategies in your business or brand.  

What is the Online Reputation of a Company?

Your online reputation encompasses everything said about your company across the internet. This includes customer reviews, social mentions, news coverage, blog references, and more. 

This collective narrative shapes how potential customers perceive your brand when they look at your business online. 

That's why actively managing your online reputation is crucial in today's transparent, hyperconnected world.

Why Do You Need to Pay Attention to Your Online Reputation?

Over 90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting or purchasing from a business. A few glowing reviews can spur a buying decision. 

But some scathing criticisms? Those might lose you a customer altogether before you even get a foot in the door.

Additionally, Google and other search engines are tracking authority signals like online reviews, social media engagement, and contextually relevant link-backs to websites. 

Positive metrics not only bury unpleasant search results down web pages but directly impact search rankings by enhancing a page's trust and authority. That means having a good online reputation drives customer conversion and search visibility.

So, in many ways, your online reputation makes or breaks your business success. With that said, let's explore proven management strategies to ensure it's an asset, not a liability.

5 Top Reputation Management Strategies for Your Business Success

Leading reputation management agencies utilize multifaceted approaches to reinforce positive PR and mitigate negatives. Here are five proven strategies to take control of your business narrative across the web.

1. Ask for Reviews from Your Customers or Clients 

The #1 asset for reputation management? It's outstanding customer testimonials. Reviews build trust and social proof while drowning out occasional complaints. Yet under 2% of customers organically leave feedback. 

As a company, you should proactively ask for reviews using prompt emails, feedback cards, in-store signage, and if appropriate offer a reward for a review. 

2. Respond to ALL Reviews, Even the Negative Ones!

When negative reviews arise, quickly addressing issues displays responsiveness and care for your customers. 

Publicly apologise for the experience, outline solutions already enacted to prevent reoccurrence, and reaffirm your commitment to high standards. Even with overly harsh comments from customers, remain calm and kill them with kindness. 

Almost 80% of customers will give you another chance after a single bad experience if you earnestly make amends.

3. Strategically Showcase Customers & Company Culture

Share your why through stories spotlighting some client success, efforts bettering local communities, or causes dear to your brand. Allow your followers to emotionally connect with the values behind your business. 

Additionally, try to pull back the curtain a bit by allowing your customers to learn about your company culture, community outreach efforts, or milestones you've attained as a business. 

This behind-the-scenes transparency fosters relationships with both existing and potential patrons.

4. Create Value-Driven Industry Content

You should give more attention to thought leadership content like blogs, lively videos, and podcasts to establish your team as a trusted expert in your industry. 

For example, a tech company could publish blogs on latest innovations in cyber-security innovations, while as a fashion brand, you could share tips about emerging fashion trends on your blog. 

Always tailor your content around problems your audience cares about solving. Valuable content attracts links, social shares, and goodwill – all this is reputation gold!

5. Collaborate with Influencers

The halo effect of endorsing an influencer could introduce your brands to new, vetted audiences. But authenticity is key – so this collaboration should feel genuine. 

You can research which social media, blogs, or celebrities your customers read or follow. Then, brainstorm natural partnerships around shared missions to co-create content or campaigns with a reputable blog or influencer. 

If this collaboration resonates with your customers' circle organically, it will give your brand more credibility in their hearts, even potential customers.

The Takeaway

You have to understand that crafting a stellar digital reputation requires steady nurturing but yields no shortage of commercial returns. 

So, as a business owner or brand, you have to dedicate resources to encouraging reviews, engaging social followers, creating original content, and forging symbiotic partnerships. 

With time and commitment to owning your online reputation management narrative, your efforts will stack exponential dividends. 

Remember, in today's digital era, your online reputation is your most valuable marketing asset.