Techniques Used To Manage Your Online Reputation
When it comes to driving positive brand awareness, it takes a lot of time and effort to maintain a company’s online reputation. With the dynamic nature of the social web and given that sharing content is as common as saying hello; it’s imperative for brands to monitor their reputation before a particular message or allegation becomes viral that probably shouldn’t have. Here are some techniques that can be used both professionally and personally to manage your reputation.
Online reputation management through blogging
Blogging is one of the most basic techniques in managing one’s online reputation. Blogs, basically, are divided into two primary categories, a personal blog and a business blog. When it comes to online reputation management, a business blog is utilized.
Setting up a blog can be done in less than a day given the proper tools, plug-ins and resources. Thus, even large companies like Pepsi, KFC and Procter & Gamble used blogging to reach their audience.
Online reputation management through article marketing
Writing articles and submitting them to article directories such as Ezine, Build My Rank and Article Alley is another effective technique used in online reputation management. Most business firms nowadays hire competent freelance SEO writers to write exclusively to promote their brand and build their reputation.
Online reputation management through social network marketing
Social networking sites especially the highly popular Facebook and the so-called micro-blogging platform Twitter form a significant part in a typical online reputation management plan. Both small and medium scale enterprises and large multinational companies are now reaping the benefits of effective social networking.
Online reputation management through gathering feedback
Online reputation management can also be done through gathering feedback directly to consumers, suppliers, clients and even employees. Some of the best tools in gathering feedback include online survey forms, live web conferences and email contact forms.
Online reputation management through link building
Not all links are created equal. There may be some source material online that you want to link to, but it isn’t of the highest most quality. With these links, you should point them to your social profiles rather than your website or other controlled domain. That way, if the search engine spiders aren’t entirely impressed, your website doesn’t take a rankings hit.
Social profiles bring a certain amount of authority with them already, so a few links to weaker-than-usual pieces of content will not affect a profile ranking significantly. I also would like to mention that you should never buy links. This is a huge no-no with the search engines and doesn’t bode well in white hat SEO circles either.
Online brand reputation can have a significant influence on your real life professional reputation. In this social-savvy world, you’re reputation will always proceed you. If you manage your personal or business brand well online, you should avoid any embarrassing pitfalls in your professional life.
Some practices to create a positive online reputation
Be proactive.
One of the most important rules when practicing business online is that you must be proactive — not reactive — in all of your dealings. Begin by staying on top of any negative remarks about your business or products on Google, blogs, forums and websites, and you’ll never be playing catch-up when it comes to your online reputation.
Innovate.
At the core of any successful large company is a strong desire to be on the forefront of its industry. Apple, for example, has built an excellent online reputation by perfecting new products and then surrounding them with irresistible hype.
Build a sense of prestige around your product or service, and consumers will think of you as a leader in your field. They’ll come looking for you instead of the other way around.
Care about your customers.
Customer service should always come before your own profits, especially if you want a positive online reputation. The Walt Disney Company, for instance, has always put its customers before profits.
Emulate Disney in your day-to-day operations by focusing on the needs of your customers. For example, invest in beefing up your website’s privacy controls to ensure a safe and seamless experience for your users. And use promotions and sales to reward your customers instead of your pocket book.
