We recently blogged about how important it is to manage your online reputation. The steps that we shared — including setting up Google Alerts and determining how you will respond to online comments — are an important start in protecting your business’ image online.
You can’t control what’s being said about you online, and that can be worrisome for businesses. But you CAN help influence the conversation.
Here are some ways you can build a positive online reputation for your business:
- Blog. A blog can have many benefits, including helping with search engine optimization (SEO). But it’s also a way for you to provide customers and prospects with useful information that will make them see you as a helpful resource. You can also seek out guest blogging opportunities with influential blogs related to your business or region.
- Ask for reviews. Ask your happy customers to provide a review on one or two online review sites such as Yelp, Google Maps or Citysearch. Make it easy by emailing them your request with links to the sites after you complete an order.
- Use social media. Set up professional accounts for your business on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google Plus. Focus on engaging your followers with information, video and pictures they will find interesting and valuable.
Taking these steps to create helpful content about your company will go a long way in building goodwill and a positive online reputation.
Do you have a strategy for building a positive online reputation? Please share your tips in the comments!
