As a small business owner, your reputation is everything. And in today’s digital age, your online reputation can make or break your success. With the rise of social media and review platforms, customers have more power than ever to share their experiences and opinions about a business. While your first reaction may be to prove those negative reviews wrong or make a video calling out people with nasty remarks, sometimes it is just easier to focus on the positives. Those positives can supercharge your small business, and allow new customers to see the good in your company. Here are some tips for managing your online reputation as a small business:
Monitor Your Online Presence
Monitoring your online presence is a no-brainer when you think of your online reputation. This means keeping an eye on social media platforms, review sites, and other online channels where customers may be talking about your business. Any publicity is good publicity, as they say. The more your company is talked about, the more Google takes notice. That means boosting your search results.
If you see people making social posts about the food you serve, or that super sweet t-shirt they bought, make sure to interact with it. Give a comment, or share the post. Set up Google Alerts for your business name and related keywords so that you can stay informed about any mentions of your business online.
Respond to Reviews
Responding to reviews is one of the most important ways to manage your online reputation. Whether they are positive or negative, responding to reviews shows that you care about your customers and are committed to providing excellent service. You can even set up a super easy template for yourself depending on the responses. This way, the internet world can see that you are active, and customers feel noticed.
When responding to negative reviews, take the time to address the customer’s concerns and offer a solution. This can turn a negative experience into a positive one and show potential customers that you are willing to go above and beyond to make things right.
Build a Positive Online Presence
In addition to monitoring and responding to reviews, it’s important to build a positive online presence. This means creating and maintaining active social media accounts, regularly posting engaging content, and showcasing your business in a positive light.
Social media is kind of running the world right now, and you should be taking advantage of that. Don’t be afraid to create some silly trend videos, show off your team, or boost new products online. People love seeing the real people behind the business, and social media is the perfect way to get the best of both worlds. Consider partnering with influencers or other businesses in your industry to increase your visibility and reach.
Be Transparent and Authentic
Being transparent and authentic in your online interactions is important. Don’t try to hide negative reviews or pretend that your business is perfect. Instead, use negative feedback as an opportunity to learn and improve. Be honest about your business’s strengths and weaknesses, and show customers that you are committed to providing the best possible service.
Don’t be afraid to talk about yourself, too! Post an update photo of an after-work shift. Boost a photo of your cute dog that sometimes visits the office. Highlight birthdays or special events that are coming up. It’s important to come off as a real person, not just a company. It’s a great way to show your authenticity, as well as your passion for your business. This can encourage potential customers to give you that second thought and speed up the relationship between workers and buyers.
Managing Your Online Reputation With Us
Managing your online reputation as a small business is kind of our jam. From social media content to Google ads, SEO, and more – we’re here to be your right-hand man (hey, that rhymes! Maybe we’re pretty good rappers, too). That’s why Three Ring Focus is here to help you craft your next high-quality website, marketing, or SEO strategy. Check out of some the work we’ve done for a little sneak peek. Don’t miss out on the benefits of having an expertly-crafted site. Contact us today for more information about our services!