29 Aug 2023
In the past, managing public relations and reputation was primarily the concern of large corporations and famous individuals. Smaller businesses may have thought that their brand perception was largely out of their control and that customer feedback had little impact. However, times have changed and now people actively share their opinions about businesses and services on various online platforms.
With 71% of consumers starting their customer journey with a Google search, it is important for businesses of all sizes and industries to have a good online reputation in order to appear trustworthy and reputable on search engine results pages (SERPs).
To help with this, we have created a guide on online reputation management for businesses, providing digital marketing professionals with strategies to effectively manage their brand's online reputation.
What is ORM - Online Reputation Management?
Online Reputation Management (ORM) is the practice of shaping and maintaining the public perception of a brand, business, or individual online. It involves monitoring the brand's reputation, addressing negative content or customer feedback, and implementing strategies to prevent and resolve issues that could harm the brand's reputation. It is important to note that ORM is distinct from online review management, which focuses specifically on managing and responding to online reviews.
Why is ORM important in today’s internet era?
Building your online reputation is important for your customers and the growth of your company. The following are the top reasons why creating your reputation is important.
Increases trust and loyalty
Sixty-two percent of consumers are loyal to brands in which they have faith. Consumers also trust brands with good reputations. Consider the names Walmart and Home Depot. Everyone is aware of them. Customers choose these brands because they know they will receive excellent service. This trust did not appear anywhere. It was meticulously cultivated using reputation management tactics.
Expands your business
The more well-known your company is, the more trust you may garner from your customers and the more sales you will see. All of these factors lead to business expansion.
Increases brand visibility and trust online
Having an online reputation that is growing due to favorable reviews, excellent customer service, and high-quality items mean that your brand's trustworthiness is growing, and Google will reward you with higher rankings as a result. This increases your internet presence and makes it easier for customers to find you.
Increases sales and conversions
Before making a purchase, nearly 9 out of 10 shoppers examine online reviews. The more reviews you have, the more trust signals your brand and offering receive. Promoting favorable brand conversations will result in more sales and return customers.
Assists in reaching new audiences
Customers will begin suggesting your company to others as the reputation of your brand grows. Additionally, when more individuals begin to search online for branded terms and keywords linked to your firm, you will benefit from higher ranks and improved visibility. These advantages alone can help you reach new audiences and broaden your consumer base.
5 Useful ORM Strategies to build your brand credibility
1. Focus on building organic SEO
Not many people know but SEO is a powerful tool for ORM. As per the SEO companies in Bangalore, optimizing each SEO aspect will help search engines crawl your site more effectively and understand where to rank you. It's no longer about keyword stuffing; instead, I refer to it as a human assisting machine.
Sure, search engine algorithms are always being changed and user intents are defined in order to deliver the most relevant information to individuals looking for solutions. Whether it's technical challenges, on-page optimization, or off-page optimization, each component of SEO can help.
2. Keep your promises
Only make promises that you can keep. If you periodically fail to deliver 100%, try to mitigate the negative consequences by providing a discount, refund, or some sort of complimentary offer. There are various things you can do to give people an incentive to talk about your company. One of them is keeping promises. Take great delight in your service and make it a part of your brand.
3. Offer positive content to your audience
Search engines are constantly looking for new and updated content. If you consistently submit new information, search engines will consider all of this stuff when indexing things connected to you. When the majority of the content is positive, search engines must rank this content higher than older and negative content.
It also helps to establish credibility and authority. The most crucial aspect of online businesses with no inventory is content production. Whether it's blog content, videos, tutorials, or any other type of content, it will assist enhance consumer interaction and spreading the good word about your brand. While people want to buy from individuals they like, they also want to learn from experts, and content lets people understand that you are here to help. Content is also a fantastic place to solicit client feedback.
4. Work on negative feedback
Take the time to read even negative evaluations and be prepared to deal with them. Treat all of your customers the same way and respond to unfavorable remarks properly. When responding to these reviews, avoid using a negative tone. Describe how you improved your products and services.
Accept responsibility for your errors. Customers may encounter difficulties if they do not fully comprehend the process. Tell them what happened and how to avoid similar difficulties in the future. You can provide a refund or a discount on the next purchase. When responding to these reviews, emphasize your company's strengths. Avoid appearing aloof and haughty by being responsive.
5. Approach a professional ORM agency
If you're having trouble managing your online reputation on your own, it might be a good idea to consider seeking professional help. There are many reputable online reputation management agencies in Bangalore. These professionals have a lot of experience in this field and know how to effectively handle reputation management issues.
They can take care of everything for you, so you can focus on your business. They might use tactics like posting positive content and counteracting negative content with positive reviews, blogs, press releases, and comments. It's definitely worth considering if you want to ensure that your online reputation is in good hands.
P.S.: Are you running a small business or starting your brand? You might need a more specialized and professional ORM agency like Digistart.
Digistart is the best digital marketing company in Bangalore that provides the complete package of of marketing and conversion services, including social media marketing services, content marketing, lead generation services, and ORM services in Bangalore.
