Nowadays, managing and improving your online reputation has become essential. This is due to the advent of Google Search and the ability for anyone to search for you online and find information about your business and personal life.

Even if there is something you don’t want people to dwell on, you can improve it. It takes a bit of work, but it can be done. In fact, everyone who wants to be known online should do these things.

monitor the buzz

People are talking about you. You can use Google Alerts and other online apps to monitor your business name, personal name, product names, and more to find out what’s being said about you online.

listen to your customers

Many business owners take surveys, read their buzz online, visit rating sites, etc., but never really listen. It is important to show your audience with your actions that you are listening.

answer fast

When a customer has a problem or complains about you online, always respond quickly to the complaint. Even on social media, if you don’t respond to a complaint, they’ll see that you provide poor customer service, regardless of whether or not you planned to provide customer service there.

stay positive

No matter what a client, customer, or review says, it is imperative that you never allow negativity to take over. Stay positive and try to read through the vitriol. A good tip is to copy and paste your complaint or review into a Word document, and then delete anything that detracts from the complaint. Then just answer the complaint.

Apologize

Although entrepreneurs know that sometimes customers are wrong, in public they are right. You should apologize to them in public and offer to make it better. It is the only way to regain public trust. Better yet, ask the customer what you can do to improve it and you’ll be surprised how little is needed.

request reviews

When sending information to your buyers in a follow up, always ask for positive reviews and provide them with the link of where you want the review to be posted. This will help increase positive reviews and counter any negative reviews that may exist.

Avoid making mistakes on social media

It sounds easier than doing it, but this all means that you should think twice about anything you post on social media, whether positive or negative. Even innocent jokes can get you into trouble if you don’t know your audience well.

Do not neglect your accounts

Once you have a social media account, don’t let it sit dormant. Keep it updated regularly, at least once a week personally, and if you implement some smart automation, it will appear to be more active.