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Have you thought about your online reputation?

by Jo Dodds on May 2 2009

in Online Marketing

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I’ve just read a great blog post by Ed O’Keefe posted on the Search Engine Land website about ‘online reputation’, something that is becoming more and more important for businesses.

Larger companies are starting to get this concept but smaller businesses, and in particular those that aren’t yet online, quite often haven’t even thought about it. And therein lies the potential issue, businesses that don’t have an online presence created by them, will often have an online presence created by other people – that they have no control over!

I know that in writing this online I am preaching to the converted, but you could always spread the word to your fellow business people!

So, what to do?

  • the first thing that we would recommend is ensuring that you have your own website, which gives you some opportunity to manage your online presence
  • set up some Google alerts with your business name. On a regular basis Google will email you links to references made to the business name, or relevant words that you have entered, which enables you to see what people are saying about you
  • join the communities where people are commenting about businesses like yours; if you have a local community site where local people contribute their local experiences make sure you are part of that community so that you can monitor and contribute to such discussions particularly where they pertain to your business
  • look for local business directory sites, e.g. www.bizwiki.co.uk that allow reviews to be entered and ensure that your business is being presented in the correct light

    • And, finally, make sure that your customer service is great and then hopefully the only reviews that are posted online will be good!

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    Tagged as: Google Alert, local business, online reputation, small business, Website

    • Hi Jo

      Another item would be to offer excellent free reports, white-papers etc through your website: turn information into knowledge and become known as The Expert.
      Everyone can find information online, turning all that info into knowledge takes time for a prospect. Offer this knowledge in a simple accessible way and your reputation grows instantly.

      Karin H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)
    • Completely agree, Karin, and as you already know providing some of that information on your website too can help with search engine optimisation as well as in positioning yourself as an expert. This is particularly good advice for local businesses as it doesn't take much effort to become the 'local expert'.

      Susanne - it's called a 'vanity' alert, but I don't think it's 'vain', I think it's 'vital' to online reputation management!
    • Great piece of information!
      I have google alerts for my keywords, but it never dawned on me to have one for my business name! Off to sort that out now. Thanks for that!

      Susannne
      www.TheSinglesGym.com
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