5 Quick and Easy Ways To Maintain Good Online Reputation Management

One of the key things that people forget to do when they talk to me about online reputation management (ORM) is creating and maintaining a positive reputation. Most of the time they contact me when something has gone wrong already and they need it fixed ASAP. This can be fixed but it is definitely more expensive and harder to do than maintaining positive reputation.

Having said that I want to list down 5 activities all companies can easily do to maintain good online reputation management easily.

1.Document and post all your positive activities

When you have CSR activities make sure you document them online and link and tag your partners and communities. This reinforces your company's reputation as someone who helps out the community and beyond.

2. Claim All your business listings (even if you're not a hotel or restaurant!)

This tip is essential especially to businesses who are not in the hospitality industry. Since most of you only have offices and addresses you won't bother to claim your business listing in Google, Facebook and Linkedin and other business directories online this can lead to disgruntled employees, partners or competitors claiming these listings and spreading rumors and reviews about your company.

3. Answer all reviews -- No Matter How Bad They Get!

Answering All reviews is another key ingredient in making sure that you maintain good online reputation management. Positive reviews should be answered easily.

How about negative reviews?

You can answer them properly too. The key is you answer them and show them that you care and you can be contacted to alleviate the matter. This shows other people (who read the review online) that your company cares to make amends -- Something that all people want and admire. 

4.Manage Social Media Channels

Another thing that I see recently is that businesses in the finance, management and distributorship industries are not getting their social media game on point. I think they feel that they don't need it until something happens and they are now forced to get this sorted out. Having no social media presenc means that you do not have a voice when you get external news pointed at your direction. No one can hear your voice regarding certain matters, especially if someone (or even worse, a news publication) posts about you online. This is a double edge sword too and you might post something that would reflect badly on your brand.

But would you rather have a double edge sword or no weapon?

The choice is yours.

5.Use Google Alerts (don't forget to add the names of the key people!)

One of the simplest tips I have for people is use google alerts. Just tag your company name and a few of your keywords. You can also tag key personnel in your company so you will see if there are any write-ups about them. This is easy and free.

So go and apply these tips today. It's free and it will save you alot of heartache. Trust me! If you need more in-depth advice feel free to email me at [email protected] or send me a private message here on linkedin.