5 Steps To Building A Strong Online Reputation

Posted by Karen Erdelac on May 31, 2022

5 Steps To Building A Strong Online ReputationLori Randall Stradtman, author of Online Reputation Management for Dummies, tells what she calls a "geek joke." Where do you hide a dead body? Answer: On the third page of Google results.

You don't have to be a geek to appreciate that joke. It strikes at the heart of any small business owner trying to rise above the competition in an online search.

Think about it. Up to 97% of businesses are found online. And along with where your business comes up in a search, what is said about you online can make or break your business today. It's all about your online reputation.

The Importance Of Online Reviews 

Before you spend more on traditional advertising, consider this: consumers value the opinions of other customers more than anything you might have to say about your business. Here are statistics to prove it.

  • 65% of new business comes from referrals.
  • Shoppers are four times more likely to buy when recommended by a friend.
  • 49% of U.S. consumers say friends and family are their top sources of brand awareness.

Word of mouth happens online now, and online brand reputation management is one of the most effective ways to grow your business. Here are several actionable steps to help you develop a positive online reputation.

Where to begin? 

1. Start with Social Media. Use the most popular social media channels and review sites - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, Google, and Yelp. Don't feel overwhelmed. Start simply and remember two things – stay current and personal. Use your social media accounts to highlight your menu, and promote new items and special events. Post pictures and short videos of your staff in action and photos of your happy customers. If you don't feel comfortable posting to your accounts, designate your manager or a trusted staff member to handle the updates.

2. Focus on the importance of online reviews. One of the essential features of your social pages is customer reviews. Customer communication, especially online reviews, is the best form of marketing. Approximately 95% of consumers read an online review before they buy something. According to Podium's State of Reviews report, roughly half of all consumers say they would travel farther and spend more at a business with higher reviews, and 74% of buyers say positive reviews make them trust a company more. So, if you want to increase trust, asking for and responding to reviews is fundamental. Here's a tip. Monitor online review sites and your own social media pages at least once a week and set up web alerts for your business so you will get a message in your inbox every time you are mentioned online. The most common type is Google alerts

3. Whether positive or negative, respond to comments quickly. Did you know that a small business can turn a negative review into a second chance? Research tells us that up to 70% of complaining customers will give the company another shot if their concerns are resolved.

Don't argue when defending your point. Instead, apologize to the person and correct the issue. When you show you're willing to make amends, you appear more professional, but you also stand a better chance of gaining back the person's trust.

4. Be transparent. If someone complains to you on your social accounts, don't delete or hide the comment; address it. 40% of consumers report having positive feelings about a company that shows concern for a customer's feedback. Follow the age-old rule; The customer is always right. 

5. Remember, it takes time to build your online reputation. A positive online presence demonstrates that you have taken the time and effort to build your online reputation brick by brick. 

Since 2005, Quikstone Capital has helped thousands of merchants with easy, fast, and flexible working capital for all their business needs. Quikstone is a leader in the financial services industry with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. 80% of our merchants are repeat customers, and we're proud of their trust in us. Whether you need to purchase new equipment, hire additional staff, increase inventory or create a unique marketing campaign, Quikstone can help. We offer a no-cost or obligation consultation; contact us today to learn more.

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