4 Online Reputation Management Tips For Local Businesses

By Sarah Giometti | Local Marketing

Jul 23

If you run a small business, you may be wondering how you can manage your online reputation properly, get positive reviews, and bring in more customers. In this guide from Provaro Marketing, we’ll discuss a few simple online reputation management tips you can use to boost your business.

1. Claim Your Business On Online Review Platforms

Just about every online review platform – such as Yelp, Google Reviews, Angie’s List, and others – provide you with the ability to “claim” your business. This lets you access additional features like updating the information on the website, the ability to respond to and manage customer reviews, and some additional tools, depending on the platform.

Always make sure to take advantage of this. You can quickly see and manage customer reviews, and make it obvious that you are considering customer feedback and are actively managing your brand’s image!

2. Encourage Customers To Share Their Experiences

Online reviews are a powerful tool. 97% of people read reviews for local businesses, and 93% of consumers say that online reviews “impact their purchasing decisions.” That means positive online buzz can be very helpful for your business.

Always encourage your customers to leave a positive review of their experience, and consider offering a discount, entry into a product giveaway, or some other perk for people who show you that they have reviewed your services. This will help boost engagement and get you more online reviews.

3. Always Respond To Reviews (Especially Negative Reviews!)

Being active on review platforms lets you thank customers who have had a good experience – and respond to customers who may not have been happy. You can’t please everyone, so you can expect occasional negative reviews.


How you respond to these reviews matters, though! Don’t be negative or accusatory. Instead, do your best to contact the person and ask about their negative experience, and how you can make it right – both now and in the future.

Why? Because your response is public, and 93% of people say they read business’ responses to online reviews. Responding positively and being helpful – even when someone is negative about your business – helps show your commitment to great customer care, and will bring in more customers.

4. Be Active On Social Media Platforms

Make sure that you are active on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Keep your social feeds updated with content and make sure you interact with customers frequently – and respond to direct messages and mentions about your company. 71% of people who have a positive experience on social media with your brand will recommend it to friends and family!

Follow These Tips To Build Your Online Reputation!

Online reputation management is essential for your success. So don’t just follow these 4 tips. Contact Provaro Marketing now to learn more about how you can build your small business and market your services more effectively!

Related Articles:
Understanding Why Reputation Management Is Crucial To Your Marketing Strategy
Why Growth for Local Businesses Will Be Dominated by GMB (Google My Business)
Never Report a Yelp Review Without Doing This First.
5 Tips To Help Your Local Business Rank Higher On Google Maps

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