Discover the importance of online reputation for your local & retail business
Reviews have a huge impact on customers’ purchasing decisions. Users tend to trust companies that have a score higher than 3.3, and in the case of those with a score higher than or equal to 4.6, conversions increase by as much as 30%. Reputation is therefore a crucial element in the field of local digital marketing. It represents the perception that the public has of a company or an organization in its online community. This is why it is essential to consider the importance of reputation in local digital marketing:
- Influences purchasing decisions: Online reviews and ratings are a key reference point for potential customers. A good reputation can positively influence their purchasing decisions, while a bad reputation can discourage them.
- Visibility: Search engines and review platforms often promote companies with good reputations. Therefore, a company with a positive reputation has a better chance of being visible online than one with a bad reputation.
- Trust and Credibility: Businesses with a good online reputation build trust among consumers. Trust is key to getting customers to do business with a company and share personal information.
- Helpful Feedback: Negative reviews can be a valuable source of feedback to improve your products or services. Addressing issues and resolving them publicly shows commitment and customer care.
- Competition: In a competitive local market, a good reputation can be a significant competitive advantage. Users tend to prefer companies with positive ratings over their competitors.
- Word of Mouth Online: Customer reviews and opinions spread quickly through social media and review platforms. A positive reputation can generate a domino effect of positive feedback and shares, increasing the visibility of the company.
- Consolidation of Brand Image: Online reputation helps shape a company’s brand image. A good reputation can underscore a company’s values and culture, while a bad reputation can damage a brand image.
How to improve your online reputation?
Improving your online reputation is essential for both individuals and businesses, especially in an age where first impressions are often formed through internet searches. Here are some helpful tips for managing and improving your online image:
1. Monitor your online presence
- Google Yourself: Search for your name or business name on Google to see what comes up. Use tools like Google Alerts to get notified whenever your name is mentioned online.
- Social Media Analysis: Regularly review social profiles and related comments to stay aware of conversations involving you or your business.
2. Curate published content
- Optimize social profiles: Make sure your social profiles are up to date and professional. Use high-quality images and descriptions that are consistent with your brand or personal image.
- Create valuable content: Publish articles, social media posts, videos, or other types of content that reflect positively on you or your business. This helps control the narrative around your name.
- Positive SEO: Publish content on blogs, websites, or other authoritative platforms to rank well on search engines.
3. Manage reviews
- Reply to reviews: If you run a business, respond to both positive and negative reviews. Show professionalism and willingness to solve problems.
- Encourage positive reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave a review. Positive reviews can offset any negative comments.
4. Resolve criticism negatively:
- Don’t ignore criticism: If there is a problem, address it professionally. Offer transparent solutions or explanations.
- Resolve disputes privately: Try to move negative discussions offline or privately, demonstrating a direct and decisive approach.
5. Do positive networking
- Cultivate Online Relationships: Engage with influencers, industry experts, and others who can contribute to your positive image. Comment on posts, participate in discussions, and share valuable content.
- Collaborations: Seek collaborations with other figures or companies that enjoy a good reputation, so as to also reflect positively on your image.
6. Clean up your online presence
- Remove obsolete or harmful content: Remove any posts, comments, or images that may be considered compromising or no longer representative of your current brand.
- Request removal of inappropriate content: If there is any harmful or false information about you, you can ask for it to be removed or rectified.
7. Be authentic
- Transparency and authenticity are key. Users appreciate honest and consistent communication, so avoid trying to hide mistakes or awkward situations. Instead, address challenges openly and with a constructive solution.
8. Use reputation management tools
- There are several online tools that help you monitor your reputation and manage the content that is circulating about you. Retail Digital offers you several solutions and tools for acquisition and management.
Investing time in online reputation management will give you more control over what people see and think about you or your business.
How can Retail Digital support your business in improving its online reputation?
Retail Digital offers tools and solutions for the local & retail world that allow you to acquire and manage reviews, both online and offline, that is, directly in your store. With Localkit we can optimize your Google profile, create a dedicated QR Code that we print on different types of media to display in your business and thus acquire reviews more easily. Thanks to the integration with the Google Maps app and training by our team you can manage the reviews you get, even the (possibly) negative ones. Through uberweb (website) and yellowsuite (the CRM that builds customer loyalty) you can get online reviews or request after receiving a prize or using the loyalty card. Request a demo of our solutions and discover how simple and effective it will be to improve your online reputation.
