While Joan Jett may be right, that caring too much about what others think is bad for your self-esteem, it’s not very wise to “not give a hoot” when it comes to your company’s reputation.
Local Consumer Review Survey (2012) revealed that 72% of consumers said that they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations; 52% said that positive online reviews make them more likely to use a local business.
So, if you were thinking, “Reputation Management is something Big Businesses have to worry about, I’m just a local store. I have loyal customers; Word of Mouth works for me,” then your online reputation may be in jeopardy.
No matter who you are, what you know, how good your product or service is, or how long you’ve been in business, eventually someone is going to give you a bad review. Don’t take it personally.
Fifteen years ago, when someone had a bad experience at a local business, they probably told their close friends and family and you may or may not have lost any real business from their interaction. In the year 2013, where Social Media dictates our lives and people have 24/7 access to any company’s information, reviews, and a list of your competitors, the repercussions of a bad review are astronomical.
Angry customers now have the power to create a ripple effect of outrage, fear, distrust, and often times, ignorance with well-placed reviews or a tweet out to their 600 followers. If you want to maintain your dignity and continue your business with grace you have to be able to address all of your reviews: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Admitting you have a problem is the first step, but now you’ve realized that there is an entire aspect to your business that isn’t being handled properly. You own a business, you’re a busy person, you now have a million and one things on your plate and you aren’t sure if you can handle all of it. Luckily, the second step is contacting Ad House Advertising about starting a Reputation Management campaign. We have the tools, knowledge, experience, and time to dedicate to making sure you look good online.
Call us to set up an appointment to discuss what Reputation Management can do for you.
505-896-EDTV (3388)
