Now that you are conversant with the tools you can use to monitor your online reputation, let’s discuss the reasons to monitor your online reputation and how to maintain a positive reputation online.
Reasons to monitor your online reputation
1. Increase sales
Many people are researching brands, services, and products online before they make the final purchase decision. It is important that you are aware of what they are looking for in order to place your brand at the forefront in meeting their needs.
2. Widespread online credibility
Current and potential investors, corporations, banks, and the general public are all going online to research your business before doing business with you. These investors do not know your company well enough and will often make decisions on the information that is available to them and the last thing you want is to have a negative reputation online.
3. To foster good relations with your target audience
Having your customers trust is a major ingredient of success. Your customers discuss their purchases with friends and when they have a problem they will most likely spread the word about their experience. The internet provides everyone with the opportunity to openly express themselves. If your company suffers a loss of confidence in the public, there is a chance that you will never be able to turn it positive again. If you can recover from this negative publicity to regain trust from your target audience, the cost will be high in comparison with having a process in place that could have prevented it.
How can you maintain a positive online reputation?
1. Aim for  quality content
The customers should always come first. Before putting any content online, imagine yourself as the customer and if you would not want to read it, do not put it online. Write content your customers want to read and will add value to them..
2. Be original and honest
Nobody wants to feel underestimated, so make sure that the tone you use on social media platforms is human and fits your target market. You want to come across as trustworthy and this means being transparent and open; reacting in the right way to negative posts and comments rather than trying to cover your back with marketing gimmicks that could backfire.
3. Socialise
Social media platforms, used in the right way, can be an effective way to shape your company and brand reputation. Rome was not built in a day, so do not expect instant results. Take your time to grow and intricately understand your target audience.
4. React and engage
To establish and maintain a good reputation, you need to be interactive too. This means being accessible and responding quickly to build good relationships. Delays in responding to tweets, posts, comments and questions can have a negative impact on your reputation.
5. Encourage reviews
Feedback is valuable. It shows you who is interacting with you and gives you essential insight into your reputation. Reviews should always be well received, as people can have positive or negative reactions depending on what they read online. Be proactive by encouraging positive reviews to counterbalance negative ones.
In conclusion, if you want to take an active role in determining how others perceive you rather than leaving it up to others, online reputation management is mandatory.
Take the first step in separating yourself from the crowd and maintaining a positive online reputation by registering for our Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing training which will equip you not only with tools to managing your online reputation but your online presence in its entirety.
The next Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing Training starts on the 8th of August.
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