Every company is always finding ways to better itself. That is the ultimate goal of being an independent business, right? To be successful. People want to be the focal point of other conversations. They want to get noticed so that they attract new prospective customers. Companies would prefer that talk to be good, but, as the old adage goes, “all press is good press.”
Still, what happens when you find your reputation growing sour? Yes, all press is usually good to some degree, but too much negativity can derail a company – especially when it has nothing to do with what you’re offering. For instance, what happens when an old and questionable Facebook picture of the CEO from 10 years ago resurfaces, or when an employee posts an article on the company blog that in hindsight would have been better off never being published? Does the company continue to be seen in a positive light, or does the talk of your brand shift from business to entertainment? After all, the media and common folk alike love gossip. So what’s more interesting, what you’re selling this month or how the CEO had some embarrassing moments in his college years? Everyone has moments they wish they could take back, so when it becomes necessary to run damage control how should you go about managing your reputation?
- First off, it is crucial to address public criticism quickly. Whether you’re part of a small business or a large corporate enterprise, you need to be ready to address issues head on – and fast. The longer you wait to release a statement regarding your company’s integrity, the more people will question it.
- Secondly, it is vital that you run aggressive SEO on everything that has to do with your business. “Your online presence and the reputation you cultivate are frequently going to be your first touchpoint with a potential consumer or user,” says Matthew Chessare, our own digital search specialist. “Reviews of your company and any other posts or interactions will also help to boost your SEO as a whole. This exposure could help to mask any external issues as it creates new points where your business can be seen as active and relevant.”
- Finally, make sure you know your legal rights. Suing is a long, drawn out process that companies would love to avoid if necessary. But if it is the difference between people seeing you in a positive light and a negative one then it is worth the price. Remember – If you don’t take legal action against those who slander you with libelous language or report false information, then the odds are they may do it again.
The most important thing to know when it comes to reputation management is that people understand that mistakes get made. Issues that may seem career-threatening when they first arise can be fixed. By both taking the necessary steps to ensure damage is minimal and learning from the wrongs of the past, you can move on from these ill-timed occurrences and come out of the darkness stronger than ever.