Reputation is one of the primary factors used by customers when choosing a company. Thanks to the internet, it’s incredibly easy for people to check company ratings and reviews before they decide to get their product or service from your business. But how exactly do you create a good reputation online? Here are some tips that can help:
1. Prioritize Customer Service
There’s nothing like connecting with your customers to improve your reputation. Make a point of responding to any queries, comments, or concerns – no matter what platform they choose to communicate from. Even a retail giant like Amazon understands that staying in touch with your customer base can improve brand loyalty.
2. Be Pre-Emptive
If you think that there’s going to be a problem in your product or service, act quickly. Do not wait for your customers to make the first move – reach out to them first and solve the problem before they even notice that it’s there. For example, KFC ran out of chicken sometime in 2018. In response, they took out full-page ads to inform everyone about their issues. This creates transparency and bolsters the trust of the clientele.
3. Give Something Back to the Community
Sure, you may be giving to charity simply because it’s the right thing to do but don’t ignore the possibility of using this for reputation management. Allocating some funds for social responsibility can quickly build your reputation as a business. There’s this sense of “paying it forward” where people who know you’re active in charity will have no problem availing of your services because they know that some of it will trickle down to those in need.
4. Happy Employees, Happy Company
Remember that your employees are your frontlines. These are the people who represent your company and therefore, hold some responsibility in how people view your brand. It’s therefore crucial to keep your frontlines happy in what they do. Provide sufficient incentives and reasonable policies that would keep them motivated in working for you. Employees who have no issues with their employers are more likely to be welcoming and attentive to their clients.
5. Promote a Greener Approach
Many companies today are quickly adapting to the green movement – and you shouldn’t be left behind! Look at your products and services and ask yourself – how can I incorporate an environment-friendly approach to my operation? You want your customers to view you as a brand that values the environment. Don’t be shy in announcing any measures you’re taking to lessen your environmental impact.
6. Invest in Your Online Presence
Most people today are using the internet to accomplish day to day tasks. From ordering out, getting news, buying groceries, to paying the bills – people are relying heavily on social media, apps, and websites to accomplish their needs. Go with where your customers are. Develop a website, establish social media accounts, and perhaps even develop an app that captures their attention. A social media presence makes you seem more approachable and easy to communicate with.
7. Partner Up
Collaborating with other companies can help extend your reach and reputation in a certain industry. Obviously, you won’t collaborate with rival companies but complementary ones should help improve your reputation. For example, if you’re a fashion company – you might want to partner up with a make-up brand or a footwear brand. Moving within the same market and catering to the same people – patterning up helps you build on each other’s reputation.
8. Do Not Argue
Resist the urge of arguing with your clients. If you’re in the wrong – make amends quickly. If you’re in the right however, make sure you’re able to argue your side without sounding off, angry, or rude. This is especially true for online communication that can easily be escalated or made viral.
9. Invest in Organic SEO
Sometimes, just ending up as one of the top results for a specific keyword can already boost your reputation. After all, why would you be on the top results if you’re not good, right? Don’t forget to improve your SEO by updating your blog or website and staying active online.
Building your business’ reputation means creating a distinctive, qualitative, and useful asset that can reel in the clients. If every person in the industry offered the same products, services, and prices as you, then your reputation would be the deciding factor for many customers.