Table of Contents
1. Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Although there is more to a business’s online reputation than customer reviews, it certainly doesn’t mean they don’t matter. On the contrary, reviews are still invaluable, with over 99% of Americans reading reviews before purchasing a product.
Unfortunately, a single negative review can discourage buyers, even if it doesn’t seem fair. That’s precisely why it’s so important to respond to reviews thoughtfully and professionally, rather than defensively. In the event of an unfair or abusive review, calmly report it for removal and move on, rather than reacting directly.
2. Social Media Presence
It shouldn’t be surprising to read that social media presence plays a crucial role in a business’s reputation. However, social channels can work both in your favor and against you. Businesses that remain consistent with their values will surely benefit from social media, as consumers love authenticity. In contrast, if you start falling for trends and posting only for the sake of becoming viral, it won’t do much in the eyes of your loyal followers. As long as you don’t forget who your target audience is, you’ll be able to maintain consistent communication, even while experimenting with your content.
3. Data Leaks and Privacy Breaches
Even if a data leak is small and insignificant, it won’t look good for any business. A privacy breach sends a negative message to your partners and customers, suggesting that:
- The company isn’t capable of handling its customers’ data responsibly
- They don’t care about their own employees’ privacy
- It’s a company that is behind the times, incapable of leveraging the latest protective software
Most importantly, any form of internal or customer data leak looks unprofessional. Sure, preventing such a scenario is easier said than done, but cleaning up quickly is surprisingly doable. First of all, start with clear and timely communication. Afterwards, many companies handle the consequences through data removal services like Incogni, which detect and wipe leaked information from various databases.
4. Outdated Website Information
Imagine that you Google a company’s contact details only to discover that their phone number no longer exists. That wouldn’t exactly send out a message of reliability. This rule applies to any public information, such as promotional offers, links, or news.
It shouldn’t be difficult to keep online information up-to-date, as long as you conduct routine checks. Regularly monitor social media, Google listings, and internal webpages, ensuring that all information remains consistent and factual. It won’t take long, yet it will support a brand’s trustworthy and legitimate online image.
5. The Wrong Platform
Websites, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter—the list goes on. There is now a seemingly endless selection of platforms to represent your company, and all of them hold a purpose. As was discussed previously, maintaining professionalism on these platforms is essential to your reputation. However, it’s important to remember that every platform requires a different approach.
It might be appropriate to present your company as “down with the kids” on TikTok, sharing memes and fast-paced content to appeal to younger audiences. Meanwhile, reusing the same content on your LinkedIn will be regarded as unprofessional. However, be careful while differentiating your communication. It’s wiser to develop an authentic brand image that remains consistent across all platforms. Otherwise, your company could appear desperate and insincere.
6. Media Mentions and Press Coverage
You have surely heard the claim “No press is bad press,” but that’s not so true nowadays. Of course, positive PR will certainly boost credibility, but negative or even fabricated stories? Not so much. Fake media mentions can negatively influence consumer decisions, regardless of whether they believe the story or not.
Of course, the media isn’t going to be in your control, but tools such as Google Alerts can help to track online mentions, so that businesses can tackle misinformation promptly.
