Helpful Tips to Managing Your Business’s Reputation
How to Manage Your Business’s Reputation, Both On and Off the Internet
Managing your business’s online reputation is undoubtedly important to your company’s success, but the simple fact of the matter is that no matter what people are saying about you online, your company has to represent your values in the real world. No matter what type of company you run, people are going to determine it as either a good place to take their business or a bad place based on their experience with you, meaning you always want to make sure customers see your company in a good light.
Since offline reputation is just as important as online reputation, the Creative Geniuses at iNET are here to show you the best ways to keep your business's reputation free from slander and bad press.
Promote Good Online Marketing Practices
In today’s day and age, your business’s online reputation is just as important as your offline reputation. A majority of people search for new businesses and services on the internet, therefore maintaining your online reputation is vitally important to maintaining your offline one. You can check out our other blog about online reputation management for a more thorough understanding of maintaining your credibility online, or you can just check out these helpful tips:
- Keep your website updated with new products and pictures, helpful information and incentives for customers to contact you (CTAs). An old, outdated and dead-looking website with no CTAs will reflect poorly on your business as a whole.
- Be transparent about any criticism your company may get – hiding or ignoring negative things being said about your business can only hurt you in the long run. Plus, listening to and addressing criticism can help you improve your business practices in the future.
- Ask for help if necessary. Everybody needs a helping hand every once in a while – the Creative Geniuses at iNET are particularly useful when it comes to making beautiful, eye-catching websites which reflect your business’s core values.
Ask for Customer Feedback!
Knowing how your customers and clients are feeling can help you uphold your company’s business reputation more than anything. Here are some helpful tips on the best ways of asking your clients for their feedback.
- Have customers leave feedback online if possible. Asking them for feedback via mailed comment cards can be tedious and hard to keep track of. Having customers leave reviews online is a better option, since good reviews have the option of being featured on your website and be seen by potential new customers exploring your company’s services.
- Keep it simple when asking customers for feedback. A long, complicated form can deter customers from wanting to leave helpful feedback, but a simple review module on your website, such as a 5-star rating system, can make the review process much easier for people.
- Always follow up after a customer takes the time to leave you a review. If the customer leaves positive feedback, you can follow up with a sincere thank you. If they leave a negative review, however, you can follow up by asking what you could do to improve in the future.
Your Customers Deserve Appreciation
Our parents always taught us it’s polite to say thank you when someone compliments us – and this idea applies to the business world too. You can maintain and even improve your company’s reputation by showing appreciation to your customers every once in a while. Here are a few tips on how you can show appreciation for your customers:
- Hand-written notes on holidays or special occasions can go a long way in showing your customers how much you appreciate them. Whether it be Christmas, New Years’, or (better yet) on their anniversary of doing business with you, a simple card in the mail can convey your sincere appreciation for them.
- Simply checking in once in a while can show your customers you care. An email or a phone call asking a customer if there’s anything they need can show them you care about their needs and you want to help them personally if something was wrong.
- Throw an event once a year for all your customers and their families. A Customer Appreciation Day can be a great way to show your clients and their families how much you appreciate their continued business.
Call iNET Web to Help You with Your Business's Reputation
Need some extra help with maintaining your business’s reputation? The marketing professionals at iNET Web know the best ways in which to convey your business to your customers, both on and offline. Call us today and one of our Creative Geniuses will be happy to help you out!
