subject: Why Is Online Reputation Management Essential? [print this page] What is online reputation management? Why is it important? Online reputation management is not just about tracking an individuals actions but also about getting their opinions. Its about working to build that positive brand awareness especially by acting on those opinions. Everyone knows the importance of a good reputation, how it affects them and the success of their business. After all, reputation is the only thing that counts when it comes to business.
With the ever growing importance of the internet in the world and that of online advertisement, business websites are getting more and more exposure through the World Wide Web. With more people to view and facilities to help them express their opinions, one bad comment on the internet can seriously hurt the online reputation of any business. Dont forget it usually takes years to build ones reputation and just a mere thing as an anonymous comment to break it.
Search engines such as Google, MSN and Yahoo etc. rely on the relevant content while listing the websites searched by the internet users, while the users usually go for that list which is listed on the first page of the search engines. For this very reason reputation management is most essential nowadays. Now, there are a number of ways to protect ones reputation from negative bloggers or defamatory content. If only the search engines ranked by quality rather than relevancy than such a problem would not arise. It is also because of this very reason that both misinformation and an honest concern spread easily.
These strategies therefore act as a defense mechanism against such activities. The main focus here is to control what probable customers can see. Nowadays online presence is just not enough one also needs to have a clear online image to grow and ensure success. Dont ever neglect a negative opinion and take heed of honest ones. Always try and make changes for the better. Take necessary steps against those who intend to tarnish your reputation. Additionally, remember to check out the social networking sites and listen carefully to the conversations about your brand.
Some of the basic steps involved here are:
1.Setting up of Yahoo and Google alerts to monitor whats happening online. Customizing RSS readers for brand tracking. Also monitor the industry related sites.
2.Analyzing your online asset such as corporate site products, corporate blogs and employee blogs.
3.Eliminating sites that create negative impact. Dont forget to read the articles.
4.Creating your own websites. Creating profiles in popular social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and MySpace.
5.Engaging in link building strategy so as to make sure that they rank well in search engines.
6.Adding quality contents such as blogs, articles and press releases or using effective SEO strategies to shape ones companys public opinion.
In general the sole purpose of reputation management is to help your company present its best face online. They not only offer marketing stability but also help to protect the company against unchecked defamation.
