A Mini Guide to Managing your Reputation
Your reputation is on display
Last week, one of our client’s called in distress: she received a nasty online review about her business, written by someone she didn't recognise as a customer.
It's a mystery why they left such a bad review, and now she's battling a damaged reputation online, and not sure what to do about it.
What should you do if this happens to you?
Here's how to play the online reputation game skilfully:
The online world is a marketplace of opinions, whether you participate or not. People are talking about your services, and your reputation is on display.
How can you stand out?
Monitor Your Reputation:
Best practice is to regularly track online reviews on different social platforms such as Google, Facebook, CheckATrader, Which, Trusted Trader, What Clinic, etc.
You can do this manually by visiting all the different review platforms that are important for your business, or you can save time and use software to track all these platforms and set up alerts every time you receive a review.
Be a Part of the Conversation:
Engage with online local groups and forums related to your industry.
Respond to Mentions:
Again, software is available to help you keep track of your online reputation.
Once you have a good handle on tracking your reputation, it's time to put together a plan on how to grow your reputation online and the best and quickest way to respond to all your company reviews.
How to get more reviews?
Email and Text Requests:
Send personalised messages asking for reviews, expressing your appreciation for their business.
QR Code Business Cards:
Provide business cards with a QR code directly linking to your preferred review site or feedback page.
Testimonial Form on Website:
Add a user-friendly testimonial submission form on your website, making it convenient for clients to provide feedback.
Table Tops and Brochures:
Create table tops or brochures detailing how clients can leave reviews, placing them where they can easily see them.
Postcard Mailers:
Send postcards thanking clients for their business and gently reminding them to share their experience.
Social Media Queries:
On social media platforms, engage with your clients and ask for feedback on your services.
By implementing these strategies, you'll encourage clients to share their thoughts, building a positive reputation that attracts more customers.
Positive reviews will overshadow and marginalise any earlier negative reviews you may have received in the past, diminishing their significance.
Respond to ALL reviews, especially negative ones, is a brilliant practice.
A professional response and commitment to resolving issues can win over new customers and gain trust in your business.
The good cancels out the bad
Secure your online reputation by cultivating an abundance of positive feedback, reviews, and mentions.
This strategy will safeguard your reputation and enhance your visibility when individuals seek information about your business.
Employ an engaging writing style to captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression.
Haven’t got the time?
Then look at a ‘completely done for you’ service
You could look at unleashing the power of the Customer Feedback Centre, the ultimate reputation management solution exclusively designed for local service businesses like yours.
This comprehensive platform seamlessly manages your online reputation, empowering you to build, grow, promote, display, share, and nurture it all under one umbrella.
Experience the transformative impact of a fully branded solution that mirrors your business identity, showcasing your strengths and establishing trust among your valued customers.
To find out more, please contact us by arranging a Discovery Call.
I hope the above article was of interest and you found it useful.
If you need our help, then please arrange a call with me.
Author: Andrew Hurrell
