There is a saying that it takes 20 years to build a reputation, but it only takes a minute to destroy it all. A simple accusation, a small mistake, saying something in the heat of the moment, being misinterpreted… the list is endless on the number of ways one can ruin a great reputation. Many people want to learn about managing their reputation, but don’t know how to find information about it. If you need to know more, continue reading to learn how you can properly manage your reputation.
- Try using a social network like LinkedIn to help your reputation management. This social network can rank a bit higher than some of the other ones. It is also an important tool for B2B companies. This is because many people like to search for professional services on LinkedIn instead of the search engines.
- Monitor social networks. As per Arnold Worldwide, more than half of all consumers expect brands to answer their queries and comments posted on social media. Reply quickly. You can stand out from your competition since many businesses won’t be quite as vigilant.
- Try searching for your company online like your customers would. It is possible that doing searches on your computer may yield very different results than your potential customers. This may be due to your personalization options. Try turning off these options to get a better idea of your search engine results.
- Never have a public argument with a member of your audience. This is a great way to show people that you are not concerned with their needs. Whenever there is a public disagreement with a business and an individual, the company is usually made out to be the bad guy, so be careful.
- If you have a business, be sure your employees are treated respectfully. Otherwise, you may develop a negative reputation as a business owner. If people think you are a bad employer, it can cause consumers to not want to do business with you.
- Be professional when posting on social media sites. Avoid using Internet jargon and slang such as LOL, YW or TY. Be professional at all times. Respond to comments just like you would to your clients in a face to face meeting. Use proper English and proofread all responses before posting them.
- Remember that your offline presence also affects your online reputation. This is generally the start of your reputation. People will trust you more if you provide good customer service, offer good products and services, and maintain good relationships with your customer base. Happy customers generally will not post bad reviews, so do what you can to keep them all happy.
- When people give you negative reviews, you should try your best to address them without admitting any fault. As soon as you admit responsibility for things, you will look incompetent in the eyes of your customers. It is best to apologize for their dissatisfaction, and not for any incident in particular.
- Make sure you welcome complaints. Customers may wish to leave bad reviews due to no apologies or follow-ups to issues. Try including a complaint form that is highly visible and easy to use on your website. Respond to them all. They will know that you’ve heard them and that you’re dealing with the issues. This can help you decrease or eliminate negative reviews.
- Don’t use language that can be misconstrued. If you are a man and in your conversation with a female peer, and you say “sweetie” or “honey”, you may be just trying to be nice and polite in “your own way”. You may not intend to be a chauvinist, but that is how you are coming across. ALWAYS speak professionally. Save that kind of talk for your wife or your girlfriend.
When you know how to deal with it properly, your reputation can be very helpful for your business. The bottom line is be respectful and courteous. The last 20 years of good behavior is on the line and you don’t want to screw it up.