7 Tips for Managing Your Online Reputation

7 Tips for Managing Your Online Reputation from LegalShield services

My Company specializes in the Ultimate online digital solution for small to midsize businesses. I am sharing the following information with you. I use LegalShield services – they shared the following information which is critical to any business reputation.
 

While online reviews and social media benefit small businesses by enhancing communication with consumers, it is possible for negative online reviews or comments to damage a business’s reputation. It is important to properly manage your business’s online reputation. These tips are designed to help you avoid some common pitfalls and find ways to turn a negative review into a catalyst for improvement.

1.      Monitor your online reputation. You cannot afford to ignore your business’s online reputation. There are online tools such as Google Alerts and Social Mention that allow you to monitor reviews and social media content regarding your business. Reading both positive and negative reviews will help you improve your business and refine your customer service.

2.      Do not ignore constructive criticism. Even if you disagree with a reviewer you cannot dispute that they were left with a bad impression. Look at a negative review as an opportunity to improve your customer service skills and your business. Try and find the root of the problem. Is there anything you could have done differently? Did you promise something you were unable to deliver?

3.      Keep your emotions in check. It can be hard not to take criticisms directed at your business personally. The best way to resolve the situation is to keep calm and remain professional. Avoid criticizing the customer or responding with sarcasm. Turning a negative review into an open argument will only make matters worse. 

4.      Respond and take action to resolve the matter. If possible address the customer to try and resolve their concerns in a reasonable way. It is vital to make an effort to win back the customer. Sometimes offering a discount or a refund on a previous or a future purchase will help. Satisfying an unhappy customer may create a more loyal customer and ultimately generate positive publicity for your company.

5.      Do not respond to harassment, vulgarity or threats. If a reviewer is harassing you and your employees or using inappropriate language you may contact the website administrator and bring the review to their attention. Many sites do not allow inappropriate language, threats or harassment in reviews. 

6.      Do not break the rules. You should never create your own reviews or pay others for positive reviews. Review schemes will only make your problem worse. Many sites penalize companies that utilize review schemes for their business and many potential customers have caught on to the look and feel of fake reviews. The best way to counter negative reviews is to improve customer service.

7.      Call your LegalShield provider law firm. The laws and judicial rulings regarding online speech are currently evolving and vary from state to state. While websites that publish reviews are generally protected, some online reviewers may be liable for making defamatory statements that harm the reputation of an individual, business, or other group. Litigating online defamation cases may be costly and time consuming, but there may be alternatives to court action. Call your LegalShield provider law firm and speak with an attorney about your legal options.