1. Number of reviews

The number of customer reviews your business receives impacts your online reputation. For example, if your business only has a few reviews, you may not come off as trustworthy as a competitor with hundreds or even thousands of reviews—as a result, a prospect may choose to work with that competitor instead of your business.

Although positive reviews are, of course, preferable, negative reviews aren’t all bad. To foster a strong online reputation, respond to any negative reviews you receive in a way that’s on-brand and sincere. This will show commitment to your online community and that you take your reputation seriously.

2. Social media presence

Online reputation can also be affected by your social media presence. This includes your social media profiles and mentions.

Stay on top of your social media profiles and presence to ensure you’re representing your brand accurately and responding to customers who ask questions or share feedback.

3. Listing accuracy

Another area that can affect your online reputation is your search engine listing accuracy. Make sure the information listed in your Google Business Profile (address, business hours, etc.) is accurate. Do the same across other business directors like Yelp. By improving your listing accuracy, you also improve your online reputation and your ability to bring in more online and foot traffic.

1. Get more positive reviews

Getting more positive reviews is one of the best ways to build a better online reputation. Podium makes it easy to ask for, and remind customers to provide, reviews that ultimately improve your reputation score and public sentiment.

2. Answer customer feedback

Being responsive to customer feedback is crucial in developing your online reputation. It’s important that you respond to all feedback, good or bad, in a professional way.

Podium’s AI features make this easy—send every customer who leaves you feedback apersonalized and on-brand response.

3. Reach out to more customers

More customers mean more opportunities to provide top-notch services and products that lead to stellar reviews. After every service or sale, automatically send texts to customers to ask for reviews.

4. Create quality content for your website

Your target audience doesn’t always come to your site with the intention of making a purchase. They may be visiting in hopes of finding information or education.

Fill your website with unique and useful content for your visitors. For example, if you run an HVAC business, make sure your website includes content about HVAC maintenance and other information potential clients may find helpful.

5. Implement social media marketing strategies

Sites like Google and Yelp aren’t the only places you should be consistently managing your online reputation. Include social media in your strategy. Maintain your social media profiles by sharing relevant content and managing customer feedback or questions.

6. Optimize your website

Ensure your website is optimized for local search to improve your online reputation. Use relevant keywords throughout your website that are being searched by your target audience and keep your Google Business Profile updated. This will improve your likelihood of winning the top search result on Google and drive more traffic to your site.

You should also make your website a place where customers can easily start a conversion with you by incorporating Webchat.

7. Improve your customer service

Offer customers multiple channels to speak and connect with you through including phone, text, and webchat. centralize all conversations in one inbox to provide more efficient and personalized customer service that keeps people satisfied and coming back.