Let’s be real: In today’s world, your business lives or dies by its reputation. It’s not just about what you say about yourself; it’s about what everyone else says about you. Online reviews? Yeah, they’re important—but managing your reputation goes way beyond that.
Most people confuse reputation management with just getting good reviews. Not the same thing, my friend. Reputation management is the bigger picture. Think of it like this: Review management is a part of reputation management, but reputation management also includes managing social media posts, media coverage, PR strategies, and more.
So, What Is Online Reputation Management?
At its core, online reputation management (ORM) is your game plan for how your brand shows up on the internet. It’s about more than just cleaning up bad reviews or hoping people like your posts. ORM involves making sure your brand looks good everywhere—from Google to Instagram to that random blog post someone wrote about you five years ago.
A solid ORM strategy ensures that what people find online matches the story you want to tell.
Why You Can’t Ignore ORM
Here’s the deal: Your reputation is everything. If you’re not paying attention to what’s being said about you online, you’re leaving your business at risk. We live in an era where every single detail about your business can be found with a simple Google search.
According to research, 81% of consumers check online before making a decision. So, what happens if what they find about you isn’t exactly five-star material? Spoiler: They’re heading straight to your competitor.
Managing your online reputation isn’t a one-and-done thing. It’s an ongoing process. New platforms are popping up all the time, meaning you need to keep a constant eye on what’s being said about you and act fast if things go sideways.
Reputation Matters for Businesses Big and Small
You might be thinking, “I’m just a small business; this doesn’t really apply to me.” Think again. Whether you’re running a local coffee shop or a massive enterprise, what people say about you matters. Their opinions influence whether other customers will give you a shot or move on to the next guy.
And the truth is, reputation management is just as crucial for local businesses. With the right strategy, even the smallest businesses can leverage tools and platforms to amplify the good stuff and squash the bad.
"Think of it this way: Your business's reputation is like your credit score. A few wrong moves, and suddenly, you’ve got some serious damage control to do."
Reviews Aren’t Just for Yelp
Here’s something you might not know: Reviews aren’t just useful on review sites. A killer online reputation management strategy can take those glowing customer reviews and repurpose them across your entire marketing game. Think Instagram posts, website testimonials, or even ads.
This works because trust is everything. Today, 81% of people say they need to trust a brand before buying from them. And with the rise of ad blockers and general ad fatigue, reviews are like gold when it comes to building that trust.
It’s Not Just About Sales—It’s About Hiring Too
You know that saying, “Your business is only as good as your people”? Turns out it’s true. Your reputation doesn’t just matter to customers—it also matters to potential hires. According to research by Indeed, only 23% of job seekers will apply to a company with a bad reputation. Yikes.
So, if you’re wondering why you’re having a hard time hiring, your reputation could be part of the problem.
How to Build a Reputation Management Strategy
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. Here’s a quick step-by-step on how to start managing your online reputation:
Do Your Research: Figure out where you stand right now. Are people singing your praises or throwing shade? Tools like Google Alerts, BrightLocal, or even a simple social media scroll can help you track what’s being said.
Survey Your Customers: Ever heard of NPS (Net Promoter Score)? It’s a simple way to gauge customer loyalty. Send out a survey to your customers and ask them how likely they are to recommend you. Their feedback will tell you where you stand.
Understand What Builds Trust: Not everyone’s idea of trust is the same. Find out what’s important to your customers—whether it’s fast shipping, top-notch customer service, or eco-friendly packaging.
Set Goals: What do you want to achieve? Maybe you need better reviews or want to show up in more media mentions. Set clear goals so you can measure your progress.
Choose Your Tactics: Whether it’s generating reviews, managing social media, or fixing your SEO game, pick tactics that align with your goals.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, your business’s reputation isn’t something you can afford to ignore. It’s not just about putting out fires when something goes wrong. It’s about actively shaping the story your brand tells—every single day.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
Comments