5 Myths about Online Reputation Management
When it comes to online reputation management, there are numerous myths and misconceptions circling the internet. Some think it's impossible to fix a bad reputation online. Others believe you can buy your way to a good one.
To keep your small business thriving, check out these common online reputation management myths you should stop believing today!
1. Online Reputation Management Cannot be Controlled
While it’s true you can’t control bad reviews or what customers say about your business, you can connect with customers and respond to negative reviews in a professional manner. By taking the time to respond to customer reviews (both positive and negative), you let current and potential customers know that you value their feedback.
You should see every bad review as an opportunity to improve your business and show potential customers that you care and will go the extra mile to fix mistakes if they happen.
The way you respond to reviews speaks volumes about your company.
2. No Reputation is Better than a Bad Reputation
This is simply not true. While a bad reputation can have negative consequences, having no reputation (or lack of online reviews), raises suspicion amongst potential customers. When was the last time you tried a restaurant without reading reviews or at least receiving a recommendation from a friend?
Since over 90% of customers read online reviews before making a purchasing decision, a lack of reviews can lead customers to choose a competitor over your small business.
3. Negative Reviews Can be Deleted
While it may seem like a quick fix, deleting negative reviews can actually hurt your small business. Removing bad reviews makes it look like your business has something to hide and that you don’t value your customers enough to listen to their experiences. It's better to address the problem head-on and show that you're taking the necessary steps to make improvements.
Keep in mind that many third-party platforms, like Google Business Profile and Yelp, do not allow you to remove reviews unless they violate specific terms of use on their platform.
In addition, having a few negative reviews can actually lend legitimacy to your small business. Sometimes having a 4.7 or 4.9 star rating on Google can be more credible than a perfect 5.0.
4. You Need Hundreds of Positive Reviews to Build a Great Online Reputation
While it's certainly helpful to have a lot of positive reviews, you don't need hundreds of reviews to build a great reputation. A small number of trustworthy and thorough reviews can help improve your online reputation and help you get more customers.
If you’re not sure how many reviews you should be shooting for total, take a look at other competitors in your space as it definitely depends on industry. For example, a local restaurant can easily garner far more reviews than a local law firm.
When you look at your competitors review counts, shoot to exceed their review count by 25% or more if possible.
5. Online Reputation Management is Time-Consuming and Expensive
Online reputation management does not have to be expensive or time-consuming, especially if you invest in the right software solution to make review collection a streamlined part of your business process. At Igniting Business, our online reputation management services provide small businesses with a cost-effective, easy-to-use software platform to build your online credibility and boost your search engine optimization (SEO). We have both unmanaged and managed packages available to meet varying needs and budgets.
Check out our Reputation Management Services.
Contact Our SEO Specialists
At Igniting Business, we strive to help your small business succeed. To learn more about our reputation management services, or to schedule a complimentary consultation with our SEO specialists, contact us today!
