We live in an online world. The internet is an amazing tool that can help businesses thrive and grow to new levels quickly. However, it also can be a platform for honest feedback or negative feedback. Bad reviews and other online feedback that is publicly posted online can be damaging to a business – especially when the bad press outnumbers the good. Keep reading to learn more about ways that you can improve your online rankings and what to do if your business receives negative feedback online.
If you’re struggling to build a positive reputation for your business, Boston Web Marketing can help. We specialize in Search Engine Optimization, but we also provide comprehensive marketing services for our clients including reputation management services. To learn more about the services that we offer, call us today at (857) 526-0096.
What to Do if Someone Leaves Bad Feedback For Your Business Online
When you post your business on the internet, you gain access to many different resources which can be beneficial to your business. However, you also offer customers the opportunity to leave their honest feedback, and it is nearly impossible to make every single customer happy. In addition to listing your business on common platforms like Google Business, listing your business on social media platforms can also be impactful to your reputation. For small businesses, word of mouth within the community can make or break your business. Because of this, it is important to understand how to handle negative feedback in a way that is respectful and addresses the issues so that future customers know that you’re dedicated to providing a positive experience.
If a customer leaves a negative review, step one is to address it. However, it is important that you invite the customer to speak offline via phone or email. This will avoid public arguing which could further damage your business’s name and reputation. Responding to their review apologizing and offering to connect them with your customer satisfaction team is a great first step when you get a negative online review.
Should You Take Down Negative Reviews?
Receiving negative feedback is unfortunately inevitable. Regardless of your customer service, there will always be a customer who thinks you could have done better. While it is important to focus on negative feedback and take what your customers say seriously so that you can use it to improve your business model, sometimes the negative reviews are unnecessary or not a true representation of your business.
Regardless, it is never a good idea to remove negative reviews. In fact, some platforms such as Yelp do not allow you to remove any reviews. This allows customers to view both the good and the bad about your business. However, removing negative reviews can make it seem like you’re hiding something which can be more damaging. Instead of removing the reviews, addressing the feedback by replying to the review with an apology and offering to connect the customer with customer service to discuss the issue in more detail is the best course of action.
How to Get More Positive Reviews Online
If you’re in a situation where negative reviews outnumber positive reviews, or you just want more customers to leave reviews about their experience with your company it can be frustrating. There are a few ways you can encourage customers to leave online reviews. Depending on your industry, your approach may differ. However, offering a discount if customers leave a review online, handing out cards with a link to your social media or Google Business account, and sending a reminder email after their visit can all be impactful ways to encourage customers to leave reviews.
Contact Boston Web Marketing for Help Building a Positive Online Reputation for Your Business
Building a strong positive reputation online is a vital part of successfully marketing your business. It can be difficult to get customers to leave reviews about their experience with your company. At Boston Web Marketing, we help businesses to improve their online reputation every day. To get started, visit our website to learn more or call (857) 526-0096 to speak to a member of our team.