In order to grow your business, it is vital to protect and enhance your business reputation. Consumers often conduct online research about companies, before they commit to make a purchase. If your company is not well represented online, you’ll suffer reputation damage, and lost sales. Based on Igniyte‘93% of individuals say online reviews influence their buying decision.’
Negative articles can seriously damage a business’s reputation, Igniyte also found that, ‘Companies risk of losing 22% of business when potential customers find 1 negative article on the first page of their search results and 70% of prospects find 4 or more negative articles.’ To protect and enhance your company’s reputation, there are several steps you can take.
1 . Use an online reputation management company
To improve your reputation, it’s a good idea to hire an online reputation management company. A reputation management company can help your business assess your online reputation, and make sure that you are properly represented. These companies will use several different tactics to build your reputation, such as reviewing acquisitions, managing content, and social listening and monitoring. They will track third party websites, searching for both positive and negative reviews. A reputation management strategy can even help you monitor your competitors’ activities.
- Focus on CSR
Corporate Social Responsibility is all about considering how your business impacts society, and aiming to make a positive impact. The CSR strategy focuses on social issues, political issues, and community issues. To strengthen your CSR tactics, businesses should consider how they can drive positive change, using their product and voice. In order to increase your business rep, it’s worth focusing on improving your CSR plan.
Based on Impact, ‘Studies show that the CSR function is responsible for more than 40% of a company’s reputation.’ Additionally, ‘87% of consumers say they’re willing to buy a service or product based on the company’s advocacy on social issues.’
- Social listening tool
To monitor your reputation online, it’s a good idea to use social listening software. For multiple options, try the following:
- Hawk: Businesses can use this tool for customer experience and social media management. The software offers features for social listening, scheduling, analytics and targeting.
- Key hole: Using this tool, businesses can analyze Instagram and Twitter. With Keyhole you can track mentions, hashtags and trends. Brands can even use this tool to access heatmaps, showing the differences in engagement and mentions across different locations.
- Insurance protection
In order to properly protect your business, it is vital that you get enough insurance coverage. Businesses need to get general liability insurance coverage, this sort of coverage protects you financially if someone tries to sue you. For example, if a member of the public causes damage to their property or person, and you are at fault, they may try to sue for compensation. To learn more about business insurance options, see Coterie.
With proper protection and management, you’ll grow your business and increase your attractiveness in your target market.
