Business reputation has never been more crucial in today's digital environment, where it's a matter of a few clicks to leave either a glowing 5-star review or a nastygram with harsh comments and critiques. 

Consumers prefer brands with a positive image, and over 90% of consumers read reviews before buying products or contacting companies. In this brief but valuable guide, here are some top tips to help you protect and enhance your reputation. 

Invest in customer service and support.

The days of judging a business solely by the products it provides are long gone. Today, consumers have high expectations in terms of customer service and support. Clients will not hesitate to deduct marks or leave negative feedback if the service is poor. 

For example, if you run a restaurant, diners may leave you a 3-star review if the service is disappointing, even if the food is fantastic. On the other hand, if you sell products, customers will rate you according to the in-store or online experience, speed of delivery, price, interaction, communication, and quality of the item. 

Invest in customer service and support. Interact and engage with your customers, reward loyalty, and offer responsive support options like live chat. Ultimately, make sure you can deliver on the promises you make. 

Make sure you check all the legal boxes.

Running a business involves complying with rules and adhering to laws and regulations. If you own a company, it's crucial to make sure that you are familiar with the guidelines relevant to your industry and the services and products you sell. 

Ensure that you have the appropriate insurance coverage, seek legal advice when drawing up terms and conditions and employment contracts, and keep up to date with public liability and health and safety regulations. 

It's also imperative to work with reputable insurance providers. If you're unsure which company to use, there are plenty of online resources to guide you. For example, you can access articles about National Life Group litigation and compare policies and prices to help you narrow down the options. 

It's also beneficial to read reviews and client testimonials. Failing to comply with laws and rules will affect your reputation, and it could also cost you a substantial amount of money. 

Hire employees who share your values.

Hiring employees should not just be about finding the top talent in terms of qualifications and experience. It's hugely beneficial for employers to consider the personality traits and values of the candidate before deciding whether or not to offer them a job. 

It's natural to want people with skills and qualifications. Still, it's also essential to hire people who share the company values and choose candidates who will seamlessly fit into the team and add value. Use interviews to get to know prospective employees and determine what matters to them and what makes them tick. 

Final Thoughts

More and more consumers make decisions based on how they perceive brands and businesses. With online reviews carrying more weight than ever, companies must proactively protect their reputation. 

Repguardian, one of the best online reputation management companies, points out that with digital becoming such an important part of our customers’ lives, this is an area that brands need to start taking seriously. Invest in customer service and support, look after your clients, make sure your business is fully compliant, work with reputable companies and hire employees who appreciate and share your core values. 

Until next time,

Andrea

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