Online Reputation Management

When your prospective customers, members, clients or employees search for you online, what do they find in your top 10 search results? Is there anything there that would discourage anyone from doing business with, joining, or working for your organization? If you haven't paid attention in the past to reputation management, this may be the time to start. This week's articles provide information on managing your online reputation.

No matter the size of your business, they (prospects, customers, clients... anyone and, potentially, everyone) are talking about you. (Item #1)   Why are companies using the same reputation strategy they have used for the past number of years? (Item #2)   This article aims to simplify online reputation management and provide you with the most useful and necessary tips. (Item #3)  

As important as building an enduring reputation is, it remains as elusive as ever. (Item #4)   It seems there is much currently happening that is unseemly and even illegal in the world of Online Reputation Management. (Item #5)   There is no way to put a price tag on corporate reputation management. (Item #6)  

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. The Definitive Guide to Online Reputation Management

There are a lot of misconceptions about online reputation management. Some people think it's just social media monitoring, while others believe it has something to do with public relations, and still others literally have no idea how it can impact business and sales. In this guide, the author explains the role of online reputation management in today's business and media landscape.
http://blog.kissmetrics.com/guide-to-reputation-management/

2. Is Online Reputation Management Dead?

A well-respected reputation management authority advises, "Online reputation management is very much alive and inevitable in this digital age, it's time for companies to improve their reputation management strategy or suffer the consequences. Businesses need to understand the inherent significance that a positive online reputation has on their company and its bottom line." So what is the key factor? "Take control and improve your strategy."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-rampton/online-reputation-management_b_4178234.html

3. Online Reputation Management Tips

Are negative search results hurting your business? Does your company lack any presence in the search results at all? No matter what issues you face, having control of your online reputation is possible with the right strategy. In this article we are going to provide some of the most effective online reputation management tips to help you use the search results to grow and protect your business.
http://www.imforza.com/blog/online-reputation-management-tips/

4. Reputation Trends for 2014

As information increasingly dulls the senses and muddles our brains, and as transparency becomes the norm, building enduring reputations grows in importance. Being aware of upcoming reputation trends is, of course, always helpful at times like these when companies' good names are only 15 minutes away from shame. In the hopes of aiding companies with their reputation-building, a reputation strategist presents her predictions for 2014.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-leslie-gainesross/reputation-trends-for-201_2_b_4518471.html

5. The Dark Side of Reputation Management: How It Affects Your Business

The author became aware of the issue of "mugshot extortionists" when a friend-a small business owner who distributes wholesale and resale products online-mentioned in passing that her husband had gotten a DUI. His arrest and mugshot quickly surfaced online and she received an email from a service provider letting her know that for a small fee, approximately $400, the service would get the posting and photo back down. Horrified of what the item might do to her business if it were seen by distributors, she quickly complied. Problem solved (or so she thought).
http://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylsnappconner/2013/05/09/the-dark-side-of-reputation-management-how-it-affects-your-business/

6. Putting a price tag on corporate reputation management in the new economy

You might not be able to tangibly value customer loyalty, but companies both small and large are discovering that you can put a price tag on your Internet reputation. The financial crisis that began in 2007 has changed the way the corporate world operates; one way is that businesses are now spending as much money on reputation protection as they are on digital PR.
http://www.reputation.com/reputationwatch/articles/putting-price-tag-corporate-reputation-management-new-economy