ORM How To Archives - Reputation.ca Ltd. https://www.reputation.ca/category/orm-how-to/ Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:11:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.reputation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/cropped-logo-32x32.png ORM How To Archives - Reputation.ca Ltd. https://www.reputation.ca/category/orm-how-to/ 32 32 Thinking of Buying Google Reviews? Read This First for Safer Alternatives https://www.reputation.ca/thinking-of-buying-google-reviews-read-this-first-for-safer-alternatives/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 09:29:39 +0000 https://www.reputation.ca/?p=24720 In the cut-throat world of online marketing, the allure of buying Google reviews for an instant reputation boost can be irresistible for businesses. However, before diving headfirst into this murky pool, it’s crucial to understand the risks and potential pitfalls that lurk beneath the surface. Key Takeaways Purchasing Google reviews can lead to legal risks, […]

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In the cut-throat world of online marketing, the allure of buying Google reviews for an instant reputation boost can be irresistible for businesses. However, before diving headfirst into this murky pool, it’s crucial to understand the risks and potential pitfalls that lurk beneath the surface.

Key Takeaways

  • Purchasing Google reviews can lead to legal risks, hurt a business’s reputation, and cause penalties such as a lowered search ranking and Google Business Profile suspension.
  • Google uses sophisticated algorithms and manual review processes to detect and eliminate fraudulent reviews, emphasizing the importance of authentic customer feedback.
  • Businesses are encouraged to focus on excellent customer service and leverage email marketing and social media strategies to naturally generate positive, genuine reviews.

The Allure and Pitfalls of Purchasing Google Reviews

The prospect of a quick boost in reputation, enhanced visibility, and a competitive edge are some of the reasons businesses may be tempted to buy Google reviews. Customized positive feedback can be enticing, especially for businesses aiming to quickly establish a favorable perception.

Purchasing Google reviews goes against authentic business ethics and often fails to yield the desired results. It’s a short-term, unsustainable strategy that can end up doing more harm than good.

The Truth Behind Buying Google Reviews: Legalities and Consequences

Acquiring counterfeit Google reviews potentially exposes a business to legal risks, breaching the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) strict regulations against manufactured reviews. These fraudulent practices can be deceptive and have a detrimental impact on consumers and legitimate businesses alike.

Google has set guidelines to identify fraudulent reviews and provides guidelines on reporting such instances. This commitment to maintaining the integrity of their review system helps Google detect fake reviews and safeguard genuine businesses from the impact of fake Google reviews, ensuring the presence of genuine Google reviews on their platform.

Businesses indulging in the acquisition of counterfeit reviews risk tarnishing their reputation, alienating existing clientele, and facing difficulties in attracting new customers. The ripple effect of negative word-of-mouth publicity can be catastrophic.

Google can penalize offending businesses by:

  • Suspending or penalizing their Google Business Profile
  • Causing a drop in search result ranking
  • Causing a detrimental effect on the business’ online reputation.

Understanding Google’s Stance on Fake Reviews

Google vehemently opposes fraudulent reviews, including those who buy reviews on Google, and has put measures in place to protect the authenticity of their Google review system. These measures aim to uphold the credibility of their review site by prohibiting false or misleading reviews on Google.

Google’s commitment to maintaining the reliability of their review system is demonstrated by their use of automated systems and manual review processes. These methods help differentiate between fraudulent and real Google reviews, ensuring that the feedback customers see is authentic and trustworthy.

Spotting Fake Profiles and Reviews

The overall content and unnatural language often give away the identity of fraudulent reviews. The absence of specific details regarding the consumer’s experience, or a tone that deviates from the typical customer communication, can be telltale signs of a fraudulent review.

There are tools available to help spot fake reviews, such as Fakespot, which assesses and identifies potentially fraudulent reviews. By using these resources, businesses can protect their reputation and ensure they are providing a genuine customer experience.

The Ripple Effect of Fake Reviews on Business

The existence of counterfeit reviews can lead to grave consequences for a business. They create doubt in consumers’ minds, impacting their purchasing decisions, and decreasing their likelihood of buying the product.

Fake reviews can also have significant repercussions on the broader economy. They can lead to a decline in sales and consumer trust due to the misleading information provided. This, in turn, can have adverse effects on consumer confidence, trust, and overall expenditure, consequently impacting the broader economy.

Navigating the Risks: Why You Shouldn’t Buy Google Reviews

Opting to buy Google reviews is inadvisable given that the associated risks surpass the potential advantages. The act of purchasing Google reviews raises ethical concerns due to its violation of the principles of honesty and transparency.

Moreover, when you purchase Google reviews, it can detrimentally affect a business’s connection with its customers. It diminishes the trust established by genuine positive reviews and has the potential to damage the business’s standing if the fraudulent endorsements are exposed.

Real Strategies for Genuine Positive Google Reviews

Businesses should prefer to deliver exceptional customer service instead of choosing the perilous path of purchasing reviews. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction, thereby naturally garnering positive reviews.

Moreover, businesses can enhance positive Google reviews by utilizing technology. Implementing email marketing and social media initiatives can prompt authentic reviews, contributing to a more accurate and positive online reputation, including positive Google business reviews.

Encouraging Customer Reviews Through Exceptional Service

Offering remarkable service is instrumental in promoting customer satisfaction and garnering positive reviews. By demonstrating responsiveness, empathy, and proactive resolution of issues, businesses can leave a lasting impression on their customers.

Businesses can also proactively encourage customers to leave reviews by politely requesting them. By ensuring they deliver a customer experience worthy of commendation, businesses can naturally increase the number of positive reviews they receive.

Leveraging Technology and Social Media to Gain Reviews

Businesses can leverage email marketing tactics to kickstart campaigns requesting reviews. This can prompt customers to provide their feedback derived from their experiences, leading to a more accurate representation of the business.

Businesses can also streamline the review process for customers by minimizing the steps required and providing a direct link to the Google reviews platform. This makes it easier for customers to leave a review, increasing the likelihood of them doing so.

How Google Detects and Handles Fraudulent Reviews

Google utilizes advanced algorithms to detect unusual activities that might suggest fraudulent reviews. They analyze patterns, content, and user behavior to detect and remove fraudulent reviews that violate their policies.

In addition to automated processes, search engines like Google also have a manual review process in place. A specialized team evaluates web pages and websites to ensure adherence to Google’s guidelines, helping to maintain the quality of search results and the credibility of reviews.

Crafting an Ethical Review Strategy

Developing an ethical review strategy entails establishing a review funnel and addressing all reviews. The aim is to demonstrate transparency and foster consumer confidence, ultimately leading to more authentic and positive reviews.

Businesses can also focus on continuous improvement by promptly addressing and resolving issues highlighted in reviews. This not only prevents negative reviews but fosters continual improvements in service quality.

Setting Up a Review Funnel

A review funnel represents a strategic marketing method aimed at simplifying the handling of online reviews for a business. By attracting customers to the funnel and guiding them through the review process, businesses can:

  • Boost the probability of them providing a review
  • Increase their overall review count
  • Improve their online reputation
  • Gain valuable feedback from customers

Implementing a review funnel can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to leverage the power of online reviews.

Establishing a review funnel involves the following steps:

  1. Obtain a complimentary survey template.
  2. Personalize the design of the survey template.
  3. Review the survey template. This creates an automated mechanism for gathering and overseeing customer feedback, helping to build a strong online reputation.

Responding to Reviews: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Responding to both commendations and criticisms showcases a business’s commitment to customer feedback and problem-solving. Expressing gratitude for positive reviews and acknowledging the customer’s positive experience can foster customer loyalty.

When faced with negative reviews, it is crucial for businesses to maintain a professional and empathetic tone. They should acknowledge the concerns raised, providing a resolution while demonstrating a commitment to improvement.

Maximizing the Impact of Your Google Business Profile

By giving precedence to genuine customer feedback, businesses can enhance their Google Business Profile. This can result in increased online presence, better placement in local search results through search engine optimization, and the establishment of trust and credibility through Google Business Reviews.

The Google My Business Marketing Kit encompasses a range of resources that allow businesses to:

  • Generate, download, and produce customized marketing collateral
  • Enhance their online presence
  • Attract a larger customer base

Summary

This blog post has shed light on both the allure and the pitfalls of purchasing Google reviews, the legalities and consequences of this practice, and Google’s stance on fake reviews. It has also delved into strategies for gaining genuine positive reviews, and the importance of crafting an ethical review strategy. Above all, it has emphasized the significance of maximizing the impact of your Google Business Profile for long-term success and a strong online reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to buy reviews on Google?

It is not illegal to buy Google reviews, but it is against Google’s policies. If caught, your reviews could be removed, and your account could be suspended. However, the Federal Trade Commission can penalize those with fake reviews.

Can Google detect fake reviews?

Yes, Google has developed automated systems to detect and remove fake reviews by analyzing patterns of behavior and other irregularities in the reviews. These systems are designed to identify and remove reviews that violate Google’s policies.

How do I buy a Google business review?

Buying Google reviews is illegal and unethical. It’s against the law to purchase fake reviews, and the FTC actively enforces this, taking action against companies that engage in this practice.

What are some alternatives to buying Google reviews?

Instead of buying Google reviews, focus on improving customer service, simplifying the review process, using email marketing, and leveraging social media to encourage genuine reviews. These strategies can help build a positive online reputation without resorting to unethical practices.

What are the benefits of setting up a review funnel?

Setting up a review funnel can help customers easily leave reviews, increasing the likelihood of obtaining more reviews and strengthening your online reputation.

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Mastering Reputation Management for Doctors: Essential Strategies for a Stellar Practice https://www.reputation.ca/mastering-reputation-management-for-doctors-essential-strategies-for-a-stellar-practice/ Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:43:52 +0000 https://www.reputation.ca/?p=24600 Imagine you’re a doctor in the digital age, where your online reputation can be as influential as your medical degree. In an era where most patients turn to the internet for their healthcare needs, it’s not just about being an exceptional healthcare provider – it’s also about how you’re perceived online. How will you navigate […]

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Imagine you’re a doctor in the digital age, where your online reputation can be as influential as your medical degree. In an era where most patients turn to the internet for their healthcare needs, it’s not just about being an exceptional healthcare provider – it’s also about how you’re perceived online. How will you navigate this digital landscape? How will you ensure that your online persona is as polished as your white coat? How will you manage your reputation, attract more patients, and keep your practice thriving in this digital age?

This blog post will guide you through the maze of online reputation management for doctors, offering essential strategies for building a stellar practice. It will provide you with a roadmap, detailing how to create a positive digital persona, leverage patient reviews, handle negative review & feedback, build trust through transparency, and enhance your visibility. Ready to embark on this journey? Let’s get started.

Key Takeaways

  • Establish a positive digital presence, leverage patient reviews and handle negative feedback with finesse to master reputation management for medical professionals.
  • Build trust through transparency by measuring patient satisfaction and optimizing visibility online.
  • Cultivate a network of satisfied patients by encouraging their experiences, showcasing success stories, and collaborating with reputation management firms.

The Pillars of Online Reputation Management for Medical Professionals

Think of your online reputation as a building, and each aspect of your digital presence as a pillar that supports it. Three key pillars support this construction: creating a positive digital persona, making good use of positive patient reviews, and handling negative review with skill.

In the healthcare industry, online reviews hold significant power. They can either bolster your practice or break it down. This is where the art of physician online reputation management comes into play, helping you build a positive online image, leverage patient feedback, and manage negative reviews with grace. So, how can you strengthen these pillars and maintain a robust online reputation? We will analyze each one individually.

Crafting a Positive Digital Persona

A positive digital persona is akin to a well-tailored white coat: it instantly establishes a sense of trust and professionalism. It’s your face in the digital world, the first impression that potential patients get when they search for your name online.

Owning a professional website is the bedrock of your online presence, serving as a center where potential patients can find pertinent information about you and your practice. An active presence on social media channels not only increases your visibility but also boosts your rankings on search engine results.

Publishing engaging articles and maintaining a blog can further establish you as a thought leader in your field, instilling trust and confidence in your potential patients.

Leveraging Patient Reviews to Your Advantage

Patient reviews reflect the health of your online reputation. They provide valuable insights into your practice, highlighting your strengths and areas for improvement. Physician review websites are like recommendations from friends that potential patients can trust.

Monitoring and responding to these reviews, including negative online reviews, allows you to:

  • Identify areas for improvement
  • Build your reputation
  • Positive reviews act as social proof, boosting confidence in your practice’s quality of care, and influencing patient decision-making
  • Negative reviews can be seen as opportunities for growth and improvement, allowing you to address the areas of concern and demonstrate your commitment to excellent patient care.

Navigating Negative Feedback with Finesse

Just as a sailor steers through stormy seas, a doctor must skillfully handle the waters of negative reviews or feedback. It’s inevitable to encounter negative reviews, but how you handle them can make all the difference.

Addressing concerns professionally and promptly, while respecting patient privacy, is crucial. Here are some strategies for managing negative reviews effectively:

  1. Recognize patient feedback
  2. Offer solutions
  3. Apologize on public forums
  4. Encourage private communication

Implementing these strategies shows that you value your patients’ feedback and are committed to improving your services, which can go a long way in maintaining a positive online reputation.

Building Trust Through Transparency: The Role of Patient Satisfaction

Patient satisfaction measurement and testimonials for physicians

In the healthcare sector, trust and transparency are mutually inclusive. Just as a doctor needs to trust a patient’s symptoms to make a diagnosis, a patient needs to trust a doctor to feel comfortable and satisfied with the care they receive.

Patient satisfaction is a key factor in fostering trust. It mirrors the quality of care you provide and reflects how well you meet your patients’ needs. But how do you measure patient satisfaction, and how can you showcase it to improve your online reputation?

We will analyze these aspects in more depth.

The Impact of Patient Testimonials

Patient testimonials act as beacons in the digital healthcare landscape. They illuminate the path for prospective patients, providing them with insights into the kind of care they can expect to receive from you.

Patient testimonials serve as social proof, offering validation and building confidence in your practice. They foster trust, evoke an emotional response, encourage collaborative care, and serve as a sign of quality. By showcasing these testimonials, you can significantly boost your online reputation and attract more patients.

Measuring Patient Satisfaction

Assessing patient satisfaction is akin to checking the health of your practice. It provides insights into the health of your practice and helps identify areas that need improvement.

By utilizing tools like surveys, focus groups, patient forums, and outcome measures, you can gauge patient satisfaction effectively. These insights can help you:

  • Pinpoint areas for improvement
  • Customize services to better suit patient requirements
  • Track and assess performance
  • Involve patients more actively in their healthcar
  • Enhance your reputation.

Enhancing Visibility: SEO and Google Business Listings

SEO and Google Business Listings for Doctors - Reputation.ca

In the era of digitalization, visibility is paramount. The more visible you are online, the more likely potential patients are to find your practice. This is where search engine optimization (SEO) and Google Business Listings come into play.

SEO acts as a beacon, directing potential patients to your practice amid the overwhelming expanse of online data. Google Business Listings, on the other hand, can be likened to a GPS, providing potential patients with accurate information about your practice, including your location, hours of operation, and reviews.

Optimizing for Search Engines

Similar to how a lighthouse safely directs ships to the shore, search engine optimization (SEO) can lead potential patients to your website. By optimizing your website for search engines, you can improve your visibility in search results, increasing your chances of attracting new patients.

There are numerous strategies you can employ to optimize your website for search engines. Some of these strategies include:

  • Crafting high-quality content with relevant medical keywords
  • Optimizing visual elements
  • Building backlinks from reputable websites
  • Improving website speed and performance
  • Ensuring mobile-friendliness
  • Using meta tags and descriptions effectively

By implementing these strategies, you can attract more patients, establish a strong online presence, and build your professional reputation.

Claiming and Managing Your Google Business Profile

Owning and managing your Google Business Profile is akin to marking your location on a map. It ensures that your practice is accurately represented and easily discoverable by potential patients.

By providing accurate information about your practice and allowing patients to leave reviews, you not only make it easier for potential patients to find you, but you also enhance your online reputation. After all, a well-managed Google Business Profile is often the first point of contact between you and your potential patients.

Responding to the Digital Age: Social Media and Professional Websites

Doctor engaging on social media graphic

In the era of digitalization, a strong online presence holds as much importance as a well-furnished clinic. It’s your digital storefront, where potential patients can learn about you, connect with you, and decide whether they want to entrust their health to you.

From engaging with patients on social media to maintaining a professional website, there are numerous ways to respond to the digital age. Each platform offers unique opportunities to connect with patients, showcase your expertise, and build a strong online reputation.

Social Media Engagement Strategies

From creating profiles on popular platforms to sharing educational content, there are several strategies you can employ to engage with your patients on social media. By doing so, you not only build trust and credibility, but you also foster a sense of community around your practice.

The Importance of a User-Friendly Website

An easy-to-use website is similar to a well-arranged clinic. It’s easy to navigate, provides relevant information, and leaves a positive impression on your visitors.

From keeping the design simple and intuitive to providing valuable content and incorporating patient reviews, there are several ways to improve the user-friendliness of your website. A well-designed website not only augments the overall patient experience but also contributes to positive reviews and referrals.

Proactive Measures Against Negative Press Coverage

Doctor addressing negative press graphic

As a doctor takes preemptive actions to prevent diseases, it’s also necessary to take proactive steps in doctor reputation management to guard your doctor’s reputation from negative press coverage. After all, when it comes to your online reputation, prevention is always better than cure.

From anticipating potential issues to fostering open communication and implementing risk management strategies, there are several ways to avoid negative press coverage. When handled correctly, these measures can help you maintain a positive online reputation and prevent potential damage to your practice.

Creating Positive Content to Counteract Negativity

Generating positive content is akin to inoculating against negativity. It boosts your online immunity, helping you counteract negative press coverage and improve your online reputation.

From understanding your target audience to utilizing storytelling techniques, there are several strategies you can employ to generate engaging positive content. By regularly posting this content on various platforms, you can effectively counterbalance negative press and maintain a positive online reputation.

Collaborating with Reputation Management Firms

Collaborating with reputation management firms equates to having a team of specialists at your disposal, offering necessary guidance and support to effectively manage your online presence.

Reputation management firms can help you with:

  • reducing the visibility of negative content
  • increasing the visibility of positive narratives
  • monitoring feedback
  • addressing media coverage
  • implementing strategies to improve ratings
  • promoting positive patient experiences

These firms can help you maintain a favorable online reputation by generating positive online reviews.

Cultivating a Network of Satisfied Patients

Like a garden that needs care to bloom, your practice requires a network of content patients to prosper. Cultivating a network of satisfied patients is like planting seeds of trust and loyalty, which can grow into long-lasting relationships.

There are several ways to cultivate a network of satisfied patients, including:

  • Establishing an empathetic care culture
  • Responding professionally to negative reviews online or feedback
  • Providing clear and timely communication
  • Offering personalized care and attention
  • Implementing patient feedback and suggestions
  • Ensuring a comfortable and welcoming environment

By implementing these strategies, you can improve patient satisfaction and maintain a positive online reputation.

Encouraging Patients to Share Their Experiences

Motivating patients to share their experiences equates to asking them to join your narrative. Their experiences can help showcase your success stories and attract new patients.

By creating a safe and non-judgmental environment, you can encourage patients to share their experiences. These stories can be showcased on your website, social media platforms, and other online platforms, helping you build a strong online reputation.

Showcasing Success Stories

Highlighting success stories is akin to illuminating your accomplishments. These stories provide tangible proof of your expertise, building trust and credibility with potential patients.

Summary

To wrap up, online reputation management for doctors involves several key components, from crafting a positive digital persona and leveraging patient reviews, to handling negative feedback with finesse and cultivating a network of satisfied patients. In the digital age, where most patients turn to the internet for their healthcare needs, maintaining a strong online presence is just as important as providing exceptional healthcare.

So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your existing online reputation, remember: it’s not just about being an exceptional healthcare provider. It’s also about how you’re perceived online. By adopting the strategies discussed in this blog post, you can navigate the digital landscape with confidence and build a stellar practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is reputation management in healthcare?

Reputation management in healthcare involves tracking and responding to online reviews, managing negative reviews, and promoting positive patient experiences. It helps healthcare providers monitor and influence how they are perceived by patients and the public.

How do I check the reputation of a doctor?

To check a doctor’s reputation, review online doctors’ rating sites such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and RateMDs. Be mindful that these ratings are subjective and can be subject to bias.

What is the best practice for reputation management?

Best practices for reputation management include using a professional tone, making a connection with readers, having a clear conclusion in the first sentence, and ensuring that final answers do not have any artifacts. Additionally, it is important to follow the most common advice available on the web.

What does reputation management cost?

Reputation management can cost anywhere from $500 to $10,000 per month, depending on the size of the business, number of locations, services used, and the agency providing the services.

How can I create a positive digital persona?

Create a professional website, engage regularly on social media, and publish engaging articles and blogs to establish yourself as an expert in your field – this is how you can create a positive digital persona.

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5 Ways to Create a Better Online Business Reputation https://www.reputation.ca/5-ways-to-create-a-better-online-business-reputation/ Mon, 27 Jul 2020 14:52:24 +0000 https://www.reputation.ca/?p=16962 As a business owner, you know how one bad online review from a customer can put a damper on your day and potentially.

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As a business owner, you know how one bad online review from a customer can put a damper on your day and potentially prevent or influence other customer’s decisions about using your services. With this knowledge, you are considering investing in reputation management methods that will help boost your brand’s growth.

Afterall, you want your business to go from being buried on the 2nd or 3rd page of Google to being above your competitors. If you focus on improving your online presence, your end-prize will be ultimately new customers.
The following reputation management strategies can be implemented and applied to local businesses and large organizations alike, and has the potential to yield significant results when done correctly.

Make customer service a priority

Is your business focused on providing stand-out customer satisfaction? Interaction with your base can make or break your reputation, so you should always be willing to deliver nothing but quality products and excellent customer service. How you engage with your clients translates how they relate to your business, including what they say about you online.

Take note of what customers want

Involving your customers in business decisions can prove to be beneficial. Why? By asking them what they want, you can cater your marketing around their feedback. You can also encourage customer loyalty by engaging with your customers through surveys and encourage them to share their opinions and ideas.

Respond to negative reviews

Today, getting a negative review from time to time is pretty much unavoidable. As a business, even one that offers outstanding service, you are bound to receive an unwarranted write-up online. Many business owners don’t know how to respond to them, so they just avoid writing back all together. However, silence speaks, and not saying anything implies that you agree with what was written. That is why you should always respond to negative reviews while maintaining a professional stance. Doing so shows that you care and can inevitably help you have better customer relationships.

Be creative with your brand narrative

Take a step back and ask yourself what makes you follow and interact with some businesses on social media. Is it because they post helpful tips, live videos, contests, etc.? Often, popular brands create a narrative that evokes interaction or even certain feelings. You should strive to achieve the same by speaking directly to your target audience in a way that lets them know you are passionate about your brand.

Sign up for Google Alerts

Google alerts is a service that sends emails to a user when it finds new results—such as web pages, newspaper articles, blogs, or scientific research—that match the user’s search term. In this case, your search term would be your brand or company name. Instead of combing the internet for mentions on your own time, you will get notifications based on the keywords associated with your brand or business name. You will also be able to monitor any positive or negative remarks so you can always be on top of your reputation.

When it comes down to it, you can be sure that your customers and clients are looking for information about your business online. Taking time to focus on how you appear or what is being said about you will allow you to become more accountable and improve the overall success of your business.

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5 Online Reputation Statistics Every Business Owner Should Know https://www.reputation.ca/5-online-reputation-statistics-every-business-owner-should-know/ Wed, 19 Feb 2020 15:28:01 +0000 http://3.230.180.96/5-online-reputation-statistics-every-business-owner-should-know/ If you’ve Googled your business lately, you may be surprised to find out what customers are posting about you online.

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If you’ve Googled your business lately, you may be surprised to find out what customers are posting about you online.  In a world where your online reputation can be your strongest ally or your biggest crutch, what shows up in your search results could make or break the success of your business.  Now, a click or two is enough to read reviews on any business, person, or product. While review sites and social media have their obvious benefits, the internet has also given the public a platform to voice their opinions – both good and bad.

Since your online footprint is so valuable, there’s no reason why you should ignore it.  Here are 5 statistics that prove the importance of online reputation management (ORM) and some suggestions for how you can improve your business’ reputation.

#1) 93% of online experiences begin with a search engine like Google, Yahoo or Bing. 

It is rare for a customer to know what they want, so, they’ll turn to the internet to find a new company, service or product.  If your business doesn’t appear in the search results, your customers won’t be able to find you. Not having a reputable website or online presence is just inviting users to find your competitors and do business with them instead. If you want to become an option for consumers, then you need to make SEO a priority.

#2)  90% of customers are influenced by positive reviews when buying a product.

Positive online customer reviews not only affects revenue, but has a long lasting impact, influencing how much a consumer trusts a company.  The overall takeaway is that when businesses react quickly to a customer service issue or an online review, they create better customer experiences.  One way to gain a better online reputation is to ask happy customers to write a positive review of your business.  

#3) 80% of local searches convert to a visit or purchase

From searching for a place to eat to finding a new mechanic, local searches maintain an average conversion rate of 80 percent.  This compelling SEO statistic means people who conduct local searches often have the intent to buy since they want to find a business near them quickly.  Businesses that invest in a local SEO strategy can result in significant gains. 

#4) 93% of people never go beyond the first page of search results.

When it comes to online reputation management (ORM), 93% of people do not go past the first page of Google when searching for information on a business.  If negative content about your business has reached the first page of a search engine’s results, then you’ll want to bury that content in the second, third, or fourth page.  How? Here are a few ways: 

  • Promote and optimize positive assets about your business.

  • Initiate a positive publicity campaign to gain earned media placements for your business.

  • Create positive content, articles, and social profiles about your business.

#5) 4.0, 4.5, 5 are the most trusted star ratings. 

More often than not, people will click on a business with a 4 or 5-star rating over one with a lower star rating; especially over those with no ratings at all.  Simply put, when it comes to star ratings, customers want to see a business with an average star rating of more than 4 stars. To increase your business’ rating it’s important to respond to customer reviews regularly and to work on getting more great reviews by evolving your business through a positive feedback loop.

The takeaway: online reputation management statistics prove that maintaining your business’ online presence is crucial to its success.  Hence, a little prevention goes a long way to warding off negative reviews before they occur. If your business needs help to establish a good online reputation, consider enlisting the guidance of an online reputation management expert, who will work with you to build a positive and effective SEO strategy. 

 

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Common Misconceptions Surrounding Digital Reputation Management https://www.reputation.ca/common-misconceptions-surrounding-digital-reputation-management/ Thu, 25 May 2017 21:36:44 +0000 http://3.230.180.96/common-misconceptions-surrounding-digital-reputation-management/ There are plenty of misconceptions out there about how online reputations are created, damaged — and repaired. What you don’t know about online reputation management can hurt your brand.

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There are plenty of misconceptions out there about how online reputations are created, damaged — and repaired. What you don’t know about online reputation management can hurt your brand.

People used to turn to publications like Consumer Reports when they wanted to research a product. Today, a wealth of information about every company and every product is a keystroke away. Consumers rely heavily on what they read online before making decisions. What they see there can make — or break — the deal.

There are several common misconceptions people have about how to shape an online footprint. Dealing with negative online content is still a relatively new issue for businesses, and many don’t know where to find the book of rules. That’s because it’s still being written.

The Head In The Sand Approach.

It can be scary to Google one’s business or oneself and see what comes up: many people opt for putting on blinders and not looking at their online profile. Surprisingly, some businesses choose to either not monitor their online presence, or ignore negative content because they think there’s nothing to be done about it. Doing nothing is the worst thing they can do. 

I Can’t Control My Online Image.

Digital reputation management isn’t about controlling. It’s about planning for and responding to

events that seem beyond control. It’s about cultivating and crafting a positive online presence, and using an effective search optimization strategy to drive that image to the top of Google search rankings.

The Problem Isn’t My Company. It’s The Anonymous Commenters.

Sometimes it is you. Maybe it’s an employee with a bad attitude and a customer relations problem. Maybe your product really does have a defect. Maybe you’ve unintentionally treated clients or customers poorly and aren’t aware of how they might react. If so, you need to find the root of the problem and deal with it.

Think of online reviews as free marketing research. Many companies still rely on data from surveys they conduct, but reviews can cast a wider net in terms of what people really think. 

Look for patterns and themes in the criticism. If you find one, there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. Sometimes reaching out to an angry commenter can change their mind and they’ll post a new and positive comment.    

The Internet Is Written In Stone

What’s written about you online can follow you forever, but only if you let it.

If someone has posted something that’s false or potentially libelous, there are avenues to have it removed. You can contact the webmaster or Google and explain the issue. If possible, contact the individual who posted it, address their issues or concerns and request a retraction.

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