The 21st century is a very search-happy world when it comes to the internet.  In most cases, consumers will only consider working with a company after doing some research on Google. 

This is why your business brand must have a strong online presence.  A good reputation, shareable content, and an easily searchable website is the best way to avoid negative testimonials appearing in a Google search.

To build this good brand representation, there are certain tasks to complete.  Below are the top five online reputation management approaches to help shape a brand search results with improved online credibility.

#1:  Keep The Company’s Website Updated

An official website is the first place any consumer will visit when researching companies.  You must have a good first impression.  The basic site features include a landing page, service or product information, and a contact page.  Once the basics are dealt with you can begin adding extra features.

Biography pages are beneficial and always a good place to begin.  Generally, a person is more interested in working with companies that give information on their team.  Writing impressive biographies for your staff is a great way of introducing employees to potential customers; as well as humanizing the brand.  

Strong biographies include the individual’s name, their profession, their expertise, and any past experiences.  Be sure to highlight any major career experience, notable accomplishments, and awards. 

Finally, share info on some interests and hobbies.  This provides a wider picture of the team and the company.

Always remember to keep the website updated and include a more extensive biography page.  This can help you legitimize the business.

#2:  Creating A Company Blog

Nowadays, company blogs can increase visibility in search engines, as well as driving traffic to the official website.  Some people may find blogs irrelevant, but according to reputation protection experts VelSEOity.com, they are a good way to build rapport with consumers.  The most significant point of a company blog is that it increases the team’s position as industry influencers.  For example, if the head of marketing provides insight into industry trends consistently, this improves your company’s level of exposure and authority.

#3:  Managing Online Testimonials

Statistics indicated that approximately 88 percent of all customers trust online testimonials as much as personal referrals.  A review or testimonial showcases the experience with customers and helps build a relationship.  Including these reviews on your official website is a useful way to create good expectations.  Furthermore, using a large number of positive reviews can balance any negative reviews that may appear.

One of the best means to gain more positive testimonials is by treating consumers with respect both online and offline.  The way a company treats its customers will always be reflected in online feedback.  You should also make writing reviews on the website as simple as possible and advertise that you would like to hear customer opinions.  Try placing a call to action feature in an email signature, on the website or on a sign in the store window.

#4:  Socializing Relevant Content

Evidence shows that most companies tend to use social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook, to share relevant news and content.  If you are engaging in a newsworthy task, use social media to inform customers of this.  Sharing upcoming events, recent press, and company announcements is a good way of illustrating that the company is relevant to the industry and active.  While sharing on social media can take time, it is a great way of ranking high in Google search results.  Basically, the more social media sites used by your business, the higher your control of search results.

#5:  Do NOT Ignore A Personal Brand

If you begin developing a personal brand using the same means as developing the company’s brand, you will gain more influence and visibility in search results.  In most cases, particularly when the business is in its start-up phase, your name will be searched far more than the company’s name.  To attract potential customers, investors and staff, it is important to find a positive online representation of you as an individual.  An online reputation can make or break businesses.