Have you ever searched for your name in Google? If you haven’t, give it a go and see what comes up. It can reveal some entertaining results.
Now perform the same search for your business name. Do you like what you see?. Your brand and its reputation are two of your business’s greatest assets. Like it or not, your brand perception is increasingly controlled by the power of the Internet thanks to its reach and immediacy.
Over 75% of small and medium sized businesses consider that a good online reputation is important but 40% never check what is being said about them online. (Source: Zurich SME Risk Index).
We live in a world where the consumer is increasingly guided by review sites and what is being said about them on social media. You can pay professionals to handle online reputations but there are things you can do yourself. You just need to put in a little effort.
With this in mind here are some tips on getting started:
1. Reach out
Reach out to your customers by asking them to review your services on a review sites such as TrustPilot. It’s free and as the reviews build they will give you a good understanding of how your customers perceive your business.
2. Industry Forums
Check forums that relate to your industry to see if your customers are happy.
3. Social Media
If your customers post or tweet about you respond in a timely manner. It shows you care and will promote your great customer service.
4. Bad Press
If you uncover bad reviews or comments try to do something about it. By this, I don’t mean argue; arguing will only further damage your reputation. You could try going back to the customer with an offer to put things right. Ironically, an unhappy customer who experiences your top notch after sales service and follow up can prove to be a great advocate.
Warran Bolton
Owltree Web Solutions Ltd
I am the co-founder and a director at OwlTree Web Solutions Ltd.
OwlTree is a web design and development consultancy that specialises in helping businesses and…
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