Reputation is everything for a company, especially in the modern age when a few bad reviews can cost you dozens of potential customers. The old days of relying solely on a good word to promote your brand is over. Now, the digital sphere must be taken into account when building your PR strategy.
As you prepare to strengthen your digital reputation management, take these tips into account. With the right approach, you’ll be able to merge your existing reputation into a virtual presence that deepens your connection with loyal customers and attracts new business.
Start Listening Online
In digital marketing and PR, you need to actively seek out information and listen to what people are saying. Reviews are likely going to be any business’s primary source of feedback, and you need to look everywhere for them. While formal reviews on sites like Yelp are common, people also tweet and tag businesses on social media platforms. Make sure that you are connected on major social networking sites. That way, you can reply to both good and bad mentions.
Craft a Negative Response Plan
Ignoring criticism or blocking people who say something unfavorable about your brand won’t bode well in the public eye. Rather than pretending bad experiences don’t exist, develop a company voice and strategy to respond to feedback or negative comments. Opt for sincerity over generic customer support. Acknowledge feedback for what it is, and always offer to hear more through a direct message or pose another solution.
You may not be able to resolve every dissatisfied customer’s problem, but your efforts will be visible to everyone. Your willingness to embrace everyone’s opinion and hear them out will help your company build a positive reputation.
Consider Professional Consulting
If you aren’t even sure where to begin managing your company online, a public affairs firm might be able to help. Not only can they help establish a credible presence online, but they can also seek out press that improves your company’s reputation and even drives new business through digital marketing. These firms often work with a wide range of clients, ranging from local businesses to major enterprises.
Increased awareness through the best channels will give your company’s reputation an air of professionalism that is hard to cultivate on your own. For assistance, you can also find an agency that offers consulting and management services to help you shape your business into the brand of your dreams.