Tips And Tricks On Managing Your Reputation
Tips And Tricks On Managing Your Reputation
Sometimes your business makes a mistake and creates an unhappy customer. Some customers are just impossible to please. There are many reasons your business may be suffering from a less than ideal reputation. Keep reading for some great tips on repairing and maintaining a good reputation and keep your business running.
Have a portfolio of websites you can optimize with search engines. It will seem natural to try and make your business website the number one search listing for your business name, when used as a search query. However, do not stop there. Try to have ten of your business web pages become the top ten search results for your brand name. Block everyone else out.
To improve the online reputation of your business, optimize web pages with the right search phrase. Your company's name is one good example. Most search engines will favor authoritativeness. Your site will gain more credibility if they view your business as official.
If you make a public snafu, show the world that you are mature and apologize. Everyone makes mistakes, but it takes a big person to acknowledge that. If people see that you are truly apologetic for the wrongs you have done, it will make it more likely that they will work with you in the future.
If you own a business, always respect employees. Sometimes, business owners are not concerned about this, but they should be. When people think your company treats employees poorly, your reputation can suffer.
If your business is listed on a rating site that allows business owners to respond, make sure that you take advantage of this. Whether the feedback you are given is good or bad, you should respond to it. Thank people who have nothing but praise and offer something to those that are unsatisfied.
When you are publicly responding to any feedback that is left by a customer, make sure to address them by name. People want to know that business owners see them as individuals and not as one part of a very large group. Using their names will give them what they want.
Do not ask site owners to remove information about you just because it is a bit unflattering. People are entitled to their opinions and you don't want anyone to think that you believe the opposite. There is a chance that petitioning site owners to remove opinionated statements will backfire on you.
Never post fake reviews and comments that would put your business in a positive light. Whether you believe it or not, most customers will know when they are being duped and they will lose trust in you and your company. Instead of gaining customers, you may end up losing them.
If your company has a negative review online, do not overreact. One of the worst things a company can do is respond to a negative comment or complaint with anger. Also, do not try to retaliate against whoever posted the complaint. These types of reaction are not going to solve the problem and will only draw more attention to all the negativity.
Always remember that there is no way to please everyone. There are many business owners that get so discouraged when they get negative feedback that they allow it to mold the shape of their business. While it doesn't feel good to see negative things about you, do not allow it to get you down.
You need to follow up with a customer a few times after they purchase goods or services from you. A lot of times, customers wait before putting a new product to use, or he does not notice issues immediately. Your concern gives them the opportunity to voice any complaints they may have.
You should place a complaint form on your site and encourage customers to use them if they are not happy with your products and services. This will give them the idea that it is best to talk things out with you instead of leaving negative feedback all over the Web. Make sure that you try your best to address all of the issues that are presented to you.
Watch all the information you decide to share online. Be alert, because you have no idea how it can be utilized by others at a later date. Be cautious regardless of how many or few people use your social media accounts.
Be careful of what you and your employees say online. Anything said on Facebook, Twitter, or anywhere online can stay online forever. Make sure that your company has a social media policy in place. The voice of your employees may represent your company, which can be good or bad. Therefore, it is important they act according to the established social media policy.
Your product or service should come with an iron-clad, money back guarantee. This is what giving people good customer service is all about. Though you may lose some money, think about the long term implications. On the other hand, you do get to score some good reputation points with that customer and anyone else that hears about it.
Product recalls are a serious matter because people's lives and safety may be on the line. If there is any doubt about the safety of the products that you sell, recall them right away, even if it means losing profits. Your customers will appreciate your proactive protection for their well-being, and your reputation can improve by this action.
Customers like companies that are responsive. When a website visitor contacts you by filling out a form, respond to it within one business day - the sooner, the better. You want to make a a good first impression. When you respond quickly, you are telling your visitor that you are paying attention to his needs. You will quickly develop a reputation of providing great customer service this way.
As stated above, there are many potential reasons you need help with reputation management. As you know, keeping a great reputation is necessary for future success of your business. Fix your reputation as soon as possible to bring back the customers. Don't forget to use the tips listed above.
