Digitalization leads to tremendous transformation in different aspects of lives. It is the new connectivity process which bought unlimited chances for the creation of more value to businesses. Introduction of mobile technology and easy availability of internet connection has attracted individual towards the complete digitalization and as result, most of established businesses and startups can be seen having a well-designed and user-friendly online presence.
Consumers today have become smarter, as before making purchase for any product or software they often check the reviews online and negative reviews or results about the product or services reduces the chances of conversion. Such negative reviews about a brand can certainly influence their market value and therefore businesses start realizing the need for online reputation management.
What is online reputation management?
Online reputation management or ORM is the practice of designing strategies which can help shape and influence the perception of audience regarding any organization or individual’s presence over internet. It helps drive positive public opinion about the business or individual in their favor while manipulating the negative ones. It could be defined as taking control of the online conversation or an online PR. The ORM techniques and strategies ensure that people find right and positive information about you or your business whenever they look for it on the internet.
Why should one care about online reputation?
In this digitalized world, internet is the one-stop solution for every individual. Most of the potential buyers are available online and considering the statistics, two out of three people see the internet as most reliable source of information and around 97% of people read online reviews before making any purchase. The value of the business and its reputation is blend of its online and offline presence. Moreover, online reputation of a brand, business or individual is said to stay forever. In a nutshell, negative reputation of business can directly affect consumers buying decision and therefore the sales rate. Hence, businesses have now started to invest good amount on ORM to experience great return on investments.
Is online reputation management and SEO the same thing?
Undoubtedly there are similarities between the processing of ORM and search engine optimization technique but there are some important differences as well. SEO is all about promoting business and helping it rank higher on the search result, thus increasing the visibility of business among the potential consumers whereas, ORM strategies are designed to control the collection of websites that appear on search result. It helps to manipulate and trick the negative feedback and news about business into positive one to increase the sales rate and overall value. However, both of them are fruitful for the business but in their respective ways.
Moreover, people today are always active on social media and therefore it is quickly becoming a crucial part of the consumer’s buying process. Social media sites are now integrated with search features which make them a mini search engines and therefore, it is essential for a business to design an effective social media marketing strategy. Moreover, one must safeguard their reputation by paying attention to their social media accounts. It is important for a business to keep their social media account strong and active while acknowledging the positive as well as a negative review and providing them with set of proper response.
Reputation can make or break the ability of business to acquire a new customer or keep old customer base intact. Hence, investing in a good ORM system is one of the best investments for the upcoming success of your business.
