Serial entrepreneur and author Seth Godin remarked that for the vast majority of us, reputation precedes. When it switches from being something people may have heard about to something that is recorded down–what then? That is how important online metropolitan management has become for anyone as well as any institution. A few keystrokes, and anyone can look up yourself or your brand–and judge from digital breadcrumbs where- ever they end up feeling satisfied, angry, indifferent…… it’s clear to us now that no matter what nation one comes from, humans are pretty much the same everywhere in principle.
This guide will lead you through online reputation management. By the end, you will know:
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What benefits there are from ORM
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How to safeguard and enhance your own good name
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How to avert crisis when it strikes at any tiny moment–specifically in this case, on the Internet.
Online Reputation Management Matters
First Impressions Happen Online
Online Reputation Management Matters. First Impressions Happen Online.
By the time you finish reading this you will understand one thing about good online reputation: Once wrong words are out, they cannot be taken back. Start over.
A 2009 Nielsen survey found that 93% of American consumers used online reviews upon directly-local businesses as a part of their local search process. Whether you are pushing a product, service or your own personal brand, your online reputation will take the hit first every time people see any notes about you up there on the World Wide Web.
The Cost of an Unfavorable Image
When you have an unfavorable image online–not only is it not feasible, doing so means much more than that. It can be a severe liability to you. It can cause you to not make any money. It is cost-effective in comparison with the bounty of good news that might arrive from compensation.
Consequences of Bad Reputation
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Consumers lose trust: A customer is much less likely to buy from you.
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Businesses hemorrhage: Once potential customers find bad news about a company which they were considering possibly doing business with, then 22% of the money involved goes right out their door.
Benefits of Good Reputation
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Repeat business: Clarity and trust result in repeat buying opportunities.
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Long-term growth: A good word out among the people bears fruit.
In the Internet era, “Online Reputation Management” is something that has to be internalized
You can also read: Why Your Business Needs Online Reputation Management
Monitoring Your Digital Presence
Building an ORM involves understanding who is talking about you. If you want progress you have to quantify it. That is the case, right?
Your Complete Guide
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Google Yourself: A simple trick that might yield results.
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Set Up Alerts: You’ll be notified when your name or business is mentioned (whether it’s due to Google Alerts being free and new or some other reason entirely).
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Use ORM Software: Tools like Brand24 and Mention roll everything that’s said across all platforms, from social media to review sites into one list with a single click.
👉 Simply monitor for recurring patterns and you can solve systemic problems with sign posts to guide others.
Responding to Reviews
For many companies, managing a review is more than just making a difference because it also influences the opinion of other potential customers.
Your Response Matters
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Positive reviews: “We appreciate the good remarks.”
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Negative reviews: Always stay cool and professional. Politely responding can defuse any further problems.
Apologize when necessary and then offer to fix the problem offline. This will show accountability and caring.
“We are sorry to hear about your experience, please contact [support e-mail address] so that we can put this right.”
Establish A Strong Online Presence
Establishing a strong online presence is one of the most powerful weapons in protecting your company’s reputation.
What You Can Do About It
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Actively: social media channels. All of them!
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SEO Techniques: Turn good search results into great ones with positive high quality content such as blogs, release papers and reviews.
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Company Mission: Your mission statement, shareholders’ visions and community involvement show it measure for authenticity and it throb for what is real in life.
Engage with Your Audience
Interaction with your audience means more than just responding to reviews.
Get actively involved in the social media platform of your choice by doing things like:
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Holding Q&As
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Sharing user-created content
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Acknowledging and celebrating milestones
This demonstrates to them how much they mean to us.
In addition to keeping our visibility up, it also helps stimulate stronger emotional bonds that lead to trust and loyalty.
Engaging your audience builds more than trust — it also elevates your visibility. For a deeper dive, read How to Increase Brand Awareness Through Digital Marketing.
How to Deal with an Online Reputation Crisis
Despite all our best efforts, reputation crises sometimes occur anyway. What is crucial in these situations is how you handle them now.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Stay calm: Avoid making impulsive decisions which you later regret.
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Address the issue: Transparency is everything. Admit your error or offer your sympathy if the situation is unjust.
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Control the story: Release a statement on the matter in order to bring quick clarity and set expectations for resolution.
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Take aggressive action: Show that you are responsible with quick steps to put things right.
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Keep in touch: Keep users informed about what’s happening from time to time, but also thank them for their patience and understanding.
For instance, if a customer sends a tweet complaining about service delays, acknowledge the irritation, apologize and say what steps you are taking to make sure it won’t happen again.
Real-life Example: Apple
Look at Apple, for example.
They are not just known for their revolutionary products, but have also earned an outstanding reputation based on talent surpassing that in any industry.
They pass product criticism over with modesty, displaying their dedication to constant improvement (e.g., the Antenna gate event with the iPhone 4).
By way of stylish, people-first ad strategies combined with brand storytelling efforts designed to be engaging and fresh, Apple has maintained loyalty all along the line—and actually reinforced trust in itself.
The message?
ORM means keeping plodding on, hammering the truth home and providing such a powerful brand experience that customers are only too happy to act as advocates for you.
Getting Started
Now, start building the reputation of you or your brand online.
A solid online reputation isn’t just good for business; it’s something that benefits you personally or your brand in the long term.
Here’s how to get the ball rolling:
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Set up Google Alerts to keep abreast of when you’re mentioned online.
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Register at review platforms like Yelp, Trustpilot, or Glassdoor to assure possession of one through verification.
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Develop a content strategy to control your own narrative.
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Use SEO strategies to construct an impressive online image.
Make reputation management a priority today, so that in future years you can enjoy the benefits of credibility and trust.