Online Reputation: The Make-or-Break Factor for Your Business Success

Kristina Stubblefield: [00:00:00] Welcome back to another episode of WedPro Business Solutions. I'm your host, Kristina Stubblefield. If you don't already know. I have been a business and marketing strategist for many years, and I'm so excited to dive into today's topic. Why? Because I believe it is a critical topic that every entrepreneur, small business owner, no matter what industry you're in, needs to understand online reputation. So let's start off what exactly is online reputation. It's essentially the impression people have of you or your business on the internet. This impression is formed by a combination of elements such as customer reviews, social media posts, blog articles, and any other online content linked to your name or your business.

In this digital age that we're in, [00:01:00] online reputation is your digital footprint. If I seem passionate about this topic, it's because I really am. A lot of people set up their businesses, they dive right in, and they are so focused on just the business part. Not... The marketing side or your online visibility, and we know people are making buying decisions based on what they find online about you or your business.

So I want to go just a little bit further into why online reputation is so important in the world we're in. Where information is just a click away. A robust online reputation can be a powerful tool for growth. It's essential for your business. It can increase trustworthiness among your customers, build credibility in your industry, and even influence purchasing decisions.[00:02:00] 

In fact, according to a recent study, 97 percent of businesses stated that online reputation management is important to their business. So now that we've talked about why it's so important, I want to share with you the impact. Online reputation has on businesses positive reputation, such as good reviews, positive social media mentions.

Those can attract new customers while potentially negative reviews, post articles can deter them. If you think about it for a minute, have you ever decided against a purchase after reading negative reviews? You're not alone. Studies show that negative reviews have the power to turn away up to 94 percent of consumers.

So a positive online reputation is not just important. It's really essential [00:03:00] for business survival and growth. So how can you manage and improve your online reputation? Well, first I would make it a routine to monitor what is out there and said about your business online, there are many different tools available, but one of the first ones that comes to mind is Google alerts.

And the best part, it's free and you can set the notifications how you want, whether you want it immediately when something's mentioned or weekly or daily, you have options when you go to set that up. The 2nd thing is always respond to reviews. No matter whether they're positive or negative and you want to do so in a timely and professional manner.

This shows you value customer feedback. Next, make sure your online content accurately reflects your business. This is so important. [00:04:00] Regularly update your website, social media profiles, and any other online platforms where your business shows up where your business is listed. You want to keep it updated.

Online reputation is key determinant of your business's success in the digital world. It's not just about maintaining a positive image, but actively shaping how you're perceived online now, there's a lot to unpack in those 2 sentences that I just said perception and I talk to clients all the time about people are looking at you and your business and you don't even know it because of the digital age we're in people are researching and reading information about you before you ever know that they are, you know, most of the time people check out your website, Google, you find you on social media platforms, and most of the time it's more than just [00:05:00] 1 Avenue. So they're already forming an opinion based on that perception online.

The 2nd step is whether they fill out that contact form or a lead form, or maybe you use a lead magnet, to warm up your audience. Nevertheless, you need to take control of your online reputation and that will help you. In a positive direction with your business, and I know that this has been a lot to take in, and I wanted to give you a deeper understanding of online reputation and its impact on your business.

The internet can be an amazing, amazing tool for your business. There's so many great opportunities to get the word out about your business. However, it can also be very frustrating because there are so many different platforms, different [00:06:00] opportunities. One of the things that I would like to share with you, I would encourage you to start with knowing what is out there.

About your business and the first step in doing that is to Google yourself and take the time to go through, not just page one, to go through the results that come up in that search request to have a complete picture of what's out there about your business, because that will help you come up with a plan to address Thanks.

Anything that needs to be positive or negative in the digital age we're in. It's not just hiding or acting like, Oh, I didn't know it was out there. It's so important to know where you stand. Because of that word that I mentioned, perception, people are making buying decisions about you and your business before they ever pick up the phone, send an [00:07:00] email, or you have a meeting with them.

That's why it's so important to have your best foot forward. That means many different things to many different people, but where I want to start is your online reputation, and then it goes into your website, your social media, other listings that you have out there. Content that you put out. There are many things that make up your online reputation, but you need to know currently exist about you and your business.

So as I wrap up this episode, I hope one of the first steps that you will take. Is to Google yourself. And then the second step, I hope that you will set up Google alerts for your business. So that way, you know, anything that goes out there on the worldwide web. about you or your business. Now, there's so many different topics that can come from just this episode.

I hope that you will tune in [00:08:00] next time for more information. If you're not already a part of my Facebook group, I encourage you to join. You can find it, WedPro Business Community. We dive deeper into each episode, and I also share strategies, tips, software, and other items throughout the week. Until next time, take care and keep working on your business.