Reputation management is challenging for small businesses because they don’t have the same reach as other big businesses, which stops them from leveraging commonly used reputation management tools. However, in the digital space, small businesses have much more control over their brand image and how customers interact with their business. They can utilize specific reputation management solutions for small businesses to increase their revenue and leads.
The biggest hurdle in doing so is not understanding how reputation management works in the digital space. It’s quite different from offline reputation management, where you can retain customers through good customer service and facilities. Online space is devoid of such experiences, and potential customers only know you through a screen. Here’s how you can manage your reputation online.
What’s Classified As Reputation Management In The Digital Age?
Reputation management in the digital age is controlling the narrative regarding your company. It includes crisis management, positive client engagement, and monitoring the digital reach of the business. A big part of digital reputation management is based on having clear search engine results. If a potential customer Googles your business and finds irrelevant or incorrect information about your business, it’ll put your business in a bad light, and you might lose the customer.
At the same time, if you don’t have a verified social media handle, it’ll make you appear less authoritative, and your target audience might not think you are credible. Online reputation management is all about casting your small business in a good light so people can have positive experiences when interacting with your business.
How To Monitor Your Brand’s Reputation?
Online Audits
The first step in managing your reputation online is to learn where you stand. You can create any strategies if you don’t have a starting point. The best way to do this is by searching for your business online and looking at the search results. If your results are good, you only need to create strategies that’ll maintain those results. But if the results pull up irrelevant web pages or negative posts, you’ll need to create an SEO strategy to declutter your search results and fill them with relevant ones.
Social Media Analytics
Most social media platforms come with built-in analytics tools. You can use these tools to track your user engagement, such as likes, shares, and reposts. These tools also help you understand what your target audience wants. For example, if one post gets more traction than the other, you’ll know how to pivot your social media strategy for more positive engagement. You’ll also learn which tone and style resonate more with your audience so you can create a brand image based on that.
Check For Misinformation
In the digital world, it’s easier to share information with the world with just a click. A lot of times, if a client has a bad experience with your product or service, they might share their experience with others. You need to be aware of this and manage any crisis because it can seriously harm your reputation.
The best way to prevent this is by checking your tags, hashtags, and keywords to ensure the search results aren’t negative. In case you come across negative reviews, it’s better to offer some form of compensation to the person instead of trying to suppress the results. This way, your target audience will see you in a better light, and you’ll get a chance to improve your reputation with the affected party.
Online Brand Commentary
Online brand commentary is a great way to maintain a good reputation with your audience. Replying promptly to comments and questions improves the public perception of your brand. It also shows that the people running the brand are genuine and serious about their potential customers. The replies shouldn’t be limited to positive comments and responses. How you handle negative reviews also shows the audience how committed your business is to providing a good experience for its customers.
Tools To Improve Your Reputation Management
Search Engine Optimization
With Search Engine Optimization or SEO techniques, you can increase the rankings of your webpage. SEO techniques rely on including specific keywords in your webpage. This helps the algorithm rank your page at the top when a potential client searches for those keywords. Ranking high on the search engine improves your brand reputation and gives you authority over your competitors.
Google By Business
Google My Business is a free tool by Google that allows you to connect with your customers. The tools allow potential customers to search for different services in specific areas. You can create your profile to improve your customer reach. However, keep in mind that you’ll be competing against many business owners in your region offering the same services or products. To stand out from them, make sure you put proper information on your profile and not just the minimum requirements.
Social Media
Social media is the most popular platform for discovering new businesses, and you can leverage it by creating a strong image for your brand. But to reap the benefits of social media, you’ll need to put in the effort. Having an updated business page is the first step in maintaining a good reputation. Proper links to your website and your logo are another great way to improve your reputation. Lastly, you need to keep your social media updated regularly, but remember not to overdo it because it’ll clutter your follower’s feeds, and they’ll ultimately get annoyed by it.
Customer Reviews
When looking for new products and services, people look for positive reviews to make decisions. Many businesses don’t have a system to leave reviews, so don’t be like them and ask for feedback whenever you can. Just keep in mind not to block the negative reviews. Some negative reviews are normal and give the brand an organic feel.
Social Activism
If your business supports a social cause or a charitable organization, it’s a great idea to highlight it on your social media and website. These days, customers are interested in supporting businesses that positively contribute to the community. You’ll create a positive rapport with your potential clients by highlighting your efforts.
Manage Your Small Reputation With Adfully’s Solutions
Reputation management isn’t a common practice with small businesses, but it can have a great impact on your business. With Adfully, you can get custom reputation management services for small businesses at affordable rates. Our team of experts works on your branding, search engine results, digital marketing, and social media presence to help you put your best foot forward while attracting potential customers.
We offer all the perks of working with an ad agency at affordable rates. Besides that, we also offer website design services, lead generation, and advertising services. Reach out to us today to learn more about our solutions.
