Absolutely! In fact, your online reputation is as important as your offline reputation.
Let’s start with the basic. What is Online Reputation?
Online reputation, also known as e-reputation, is the digital identity we have on the internet. When a potential customer types your name on the search engine, everything that comes up will form your reputation, including articles, comments, reviews, company websites, photographs, etc.
Do You Have a Good Reputation?
People might tell you to never google yourself. But I actually encourage it, especially when it comes to your business. Seriously, When was the last time you googled your business? If the answer is never, or more than six months ago, you definitely need to review your marketing strategy.
What do you expect to find?
Search results show your online activities and others’ activities related to your business. Even if you’re a B2B, people are keen to drop a review. Might as well check it out!
Can it Affect my Business?
Think of it this way – Your e-reputation is your shop’s window. People will see your services, your goods and your expertise through it.
That is why you need to make sure your window is exactly how you like to portray it.
Can I have Control over my Reputation?
In a way, yes.
Start by creating a solid digital thumbprint.
Website, social media, visuals, blogs all form your reputation. For more information on how to build a good website, check out my blog post, Why B2B Companies Need Good Websites.
By making sure you have a strong and positive presence, your business will have a strong base.
Take my business as an example, Socialprise. Our clients have heard about our services through our website and social media. Our website is constantly updated, with new services, new descriptions and a new structure whenever needed.
BONUS TIP! Make sure that you check both web searches and google images. Yes images are also important in the case of many businesses especially the e-shops.
E-Reputation is also linked to the personal accounts of business owners, the employees and other linked businesses.
When searching for a business opportunity, companies usually tend to search for people rather than business accounts. Why? Because they believe they will be directly connected to a person who will fulfill their request.
Hence, the more successful you and your team look, the more the chance of a positive impact.
