When was the last time you searched Google for your name? Or your company’s name? Do the search results show positive things about you or your company’s brand? Are there negative reviews or negative things being said about you or your company? You may need online reputation management ORM if you don’t like what’s showing up in the search results.
Did you know that in the majority of cases it is possible to change what appears in the search results?
When I was a search engine marketing manager, and when I ran a digital marketing agency, the first thing I did when I got a resume on my desk was to query Google for the person’s name. As it appeared on the resume, I put it in the searchengine to see the listings. In some cases, I threw the resume in the trash because of what I saw in the search results! In other cases, I made my decision on whether or not I wanted to hire them based on the results (well, not really, but it was a strong influence).
When you are composing your resume, make sure that you query for your name in Google. What shows up is important. It should look good–and you should see your website, your social media profiles, and photos of you. If you don’t, then you need to contact me so we can work on your online reputation.
What is Online Reputation Management?
What is online reputation management (ORM)? ORM is a strategy of dealing with the management of what is being said about you or your company’s brand online. One major concern for companies and individuals is what shows up on the search results when you query for a company name or when you search at a search engine. ORM is a service that attempts to make sure that when someone searches for a name or a company name, positive results show up. This is done in two different ways:
- The person or company performing the ORM attempts to suppress the negative or unflattering search engine results listings.
- The person or company performing the ORM creates positive pages and mentions that can rank well in the results.
Online reputation management (ORM) agencies and consultants typically have several different “methods” that they employ to deal with suppressing the negative or unflattering listings. Some of those techniques or methods are good, and some of those methods are, in fact, somewhat evil. I won’t go into details of the methods used, but you should be aware that some firms tend to use alternative methods that can be evil. Many ORM agencies and services, such as myself, only use above-board methods, and it’s those ORM agencies and consultants that you’ll want to deal with. Ones that are transparent with you, describing everything that they will do. They should also tell you what they’re doing, any URLs of pages that they’re creating, and soforth.
Is ORM Different than SEO?
So where does ORM differ from SEO? Well, to begin with, the concept of reputation management, SEO, is a form of online advertising. It simply means that the agency is going to use search engine optimization techniques to promote their clients’ name online. A business may utilize this same strategy to gain higher rankings in the results pages of search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, or others. Since so many companies on the web use a searchengine, that is often the first thing that people look for when searching for a business.
However, if you have negative information about you, you can reach this same point in a lot of situations. Often the individual that has the negative information is not able to provide evidence of their claims. This is why it is so important to hire an agency that is very effective at removing all forms of negative information on the internet.
Another aspect of this that is important is that the business should get involved from the beginning of the process and not just after the fact. Most business owners realize that negative information is as much of a problem as negative information about them. In fact, the worst part about this is that many times, the only way to get rid of it is to hire an agency.
Online Reputation Management (ORM) Example
Let’s look at another specific example of ORM.
For one financial company, what was said about them online was extremely critical. Before someone invested a lot of money with them, many potential customers typically do some research about the financial company. Several years ago, there was a lawsuit brought against the financial company. After a year or so, the lawsuit was eventually dismissed because the claims against the financial company were deemed to be untrue. However, when you queried for the company name, someone had posted a copy of the lawsuit online. And documentation regarding the lawsuit remained online. Through my work, not only was I able to push the content related to the lawsuit off of the first page of the results when you searched for the financial company’s name.
Are you looking for a job? As I just mentioned, did you know that many potential employers search for your name before they decide to hire you or not? Certainly, that’s not a big issue if you have a very common name. But, if your name is unique and you don’t like the search results when you query a keyword like one for your name then get in touch with me. I can help you with your online reputation.
Whether you are a business and do not currently like the search results that appear when you query for your company name or whether you are a job seeker wanting to make sure that good search results appear when you query for your name, I can help you with all of your needs.
Personal Online Reputation Management Services
One of the things that I specialize in is online reputation management services for individuals. While I also do help companies with their ORM problems, those can take a lot longer to deal with and repair.
The difference between me, Bill Hartzer, working on your online visibility, is the fact that I put a more personalized ORM together for you, the individual. My strategy, as well, for companies, is personalized.
When it comes to ORM firms, though, the best visibility and changes to your online visibility can come from a consultant, not a company. Why? It comes down to the strategy itself. The same with any other marketing, SEO strategy, or other project plan. Many firms tend to use the same process for all of their clients: that can work for a few of their clients, but not all. What if you were a dentist, and you used that same mold for every patient? Most likely that mold that you use to align your patients’ teeth would only work for a few patients. It wouldn’t work for others, and could cause issues in the long run. It’s the same for online reputation management.
An Unparalleled Digital Presence: A Keystone for Small Businesses and Startups
In the bustling digital marketplace, your business’s online presence transcends mere visibility; it wields the power to shape customer perceptions and decisions. Startups and small businesses thrive or falter on the back of their digital profiles. As beginnings are often the most delicate phases, establishing a robust online imprint can be the catalyst to success.
Charting the Digital Terrain with Assurance
Business owners are tasked with piloting through an intricate digital ecosystem. Each interaction, review, and social media post maps the course of their enterprise journey. Mastery over the digital landscape signifies a commanding competitive edge, enabling businesses to proactively guide their narrative in the eye of the public.
Introduction to the Art of Online Reputation Management
Online Reputation Unveil a partnership with Online Reputation Management (ORM) services and unlock the gateway to cultivating an esteemed digital identity. ORM serves as the strategic tool that polishes and protects the hard-earned prestige of your venture. Engaging with ORM experts not only safeguards your brand but also propels your authority in the market, leveraging your standing one digital interaction at a time.
The Imperative of Online Reputation Management
The Impact of Online Reputation on Business Success
Understanding the direct connection between online reputation and revenue growth is fundamental for businesses. Verifiable data indicates that positive online reviews lead to increased customer trust, which consequently bolizes sales. For instance, a study by the Harvard Business School reported that a one-star increase in Yelp rating leads to a 5-9% increase in revenue for restaurants.
Additionally, numerous case studies underscore the success stories of businesses that focused on improving their online reputations. A notable example is a Fortune 500 company that, by responding to customer feedback and engaging in proactive online reputation management, witnessed a noticeable increase in customer retention and revenue growth within a year.
SEO and Google Visibility
Enhancing visibility on search engines through SEO best practices is a calculated move to ascend a company’s web presence. Incorporating targeted keywords, acquiring quality backlinks, and optimizing content increases the likelihood of appearing on Google’s first page. For businesses, this visibility is synonymous with higher web traffic and potential sales.
Leveraging Google’s robust tools, such as Google My Business, can significantly magnify your brand’s online presence. Doing so ensures your brand appears prominently in local searches and Google Maps, providing a valuable addition to conventional SEO efforts.
Managing Brand Perception in the Digital Age
Constructing a positive digital identity is more than a simple task; it’s a strategic initiative. It entails curating content that reflects your brand’s values and mission, thereby shaping public perception.
The digital ecosystem’s complexity requires vigilant monitoring of your brand across various platforms. With an array of social media platforms, review sites, and online forums, a comprehensive approach to brand monitoring can preemptively address negative content and promote a favorable brand narrative.
Enhance Your Brand’s Digital Presence with Our Online Reputation Management Services
Brand Monitoring
Receive immediate notifications with our real-time alerts whenever your brand is mentioned online. Delve into brand mentions analysis to understand public perception, offering you the advantage of swift action. Safeguard your brand’s integrity with our protective measures designed to maintain the esteemed image of your enterprise.
Reputation Repair
Address negative feedback head-on with our strategic plans aimed at not only mitigating damage but also at propelling forward. Our tactics have a proven record in rebuilding and enhancing brand reputations, restoring stakeholder trust, and fostering long-term loyalty.
Review Management and Response
Our responses to reviews are professional, considerate, and timely, aiding in cultivating a positive online narrative. Through strategic engagement, we work to encourage more favorable reviews, contributing to the positive momentum of your digital reputation.
Crisis Response
When a crisis emerges, expect our team to manage the situation effectively and swiftly. With preventative measures and preparedness planning, we minimize the impact, keeping your brand’s reputation intact.
Content Creation and Management
We craft high-quality, SEO-friendly content that not only engages your target audience but also bolsters your online visibility. Benefit from our custom editorial calendars, ensuring your content strategy aligns seamlessly with your business goals and seasonal trends.
Enhancing Visibility and Engagement
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Search engines are the gateway to visibility for any online entity. By leveraging keyword optimization, businesses can achieve higher rankings in search results. This ensures that when potential customers search for relevant topics, products, or services, the company’s online presence is prominent. Incorporating both on-page and off-page SEO strategies, the company’s website structure, content relevance, and inbound link profiles are meticulously refined to align with the algorithms that dictate search engine rankings.
Social Media Management
With the ubiquity of social media, a consistent brand message across platforms is non-negotiable. Social media management not only underscores unified branding but also catalyzes community engagement. Crafted posts, tailored to the unique vibes of each platform, foster interaction and rapport with the audience. These communications bolster the relationship with the community, fueling recognition and loyalty.
Digital Public Relations
Digital Public Relations (PR) contributes to a solidified online reputation by securing online partnerships and media opportunities. Through strategic communication and storytelling, digital PR narrates a brand’s journey and principles, thus reinforcing its standing in the digital ecosystem. The cultivation of these relationships with media outlets and online influencers extends the reach and influences public perception positively.
Online Advocacy and Engagement
Online advocacy and engagement harness the power of influencers and brand advocates to amplify positive narratives. This collaborative approach involves everything from influencer campaigns to customer-led initiatives that showcase the brand’s value and responsiveness. In addition, constant monitoring of online interactions ensures that supportive content and positive brand experiences are leveraged to the fullest, enhancing the brand’s image and consumer trust.
Building Robust Foundations
Customer Feedback and Surveys
Effective online reputation management originates from understanding customer perspectives. Through meticulous data collection via feedback and surveys, a detailed map of service strengths and areas for improvement is assembled. Directly engaging with customer sentiments not only demonstrates responsiveness but also feeds into the continuous evolution of services and products.
Competitor Analysis
Analyzing the competitive landscape sheds light on necessary strategic adjustments. Competitor analysis reveals what others in the field excel at and what gaps they leave. This knowledge allows for fine-tuning to secure competitive advantages and pinpoints untapped opportunities that can bolster an organization’s position in the marketplace.
Negative Content Filtering and Removal
A proactive stance in filtering and addressing damaging online content is indispensable. Utilizing advanced techniques helps minimize the visibility of such content, while implementing reputation defense strategies ensures that a brand remains respected and its integrity, intact. These efforts collectively uphold the perception of reliability and trustworthiness.
Strategic Partnerships and Networking
Cultivating alliances with industry peers and complementary brands can significantly amplify a business’s reputation. Strategic partnerships and robust networks play a pivotal role in providing mutually beneficial support, fostering trust, and expanding reach in relevant consumer bases and markets.
Legal and Compliance Assessment
Maintaining compliance with online legal requirements is non-negotiable. Regular assessments affirm adherence to changing regulations, mitigating potential risks. Proactive strategies are employed to anticipate and address legal and compliance challenges, reinforcing the bedrock for a sound online reputation.
Measuring Success and Progress
Reporting and Analytics
Success in online reputation management (ORM) unfolds through rigorous reporting and analytics. Companies receive detailed performance reports, presenting a clear view of actions taken and the repercussions of those actions on their reputation. By delving deeper into these analyses, firms glean actionable insights, which prove indispensable for crafting a deliberate path to a commendable reputation.
Distinguishing the precise metrics, from sentiment analysis to search rankings, provides an unequivocal understanding of a brand’s online standing. This understanding is not the culmination but the germination of strategic refinements for strengthening reputation further.
Tailored Strategy for Every Unique Business
Engagement with online reputation management services yields a strategy that mirrors the unique contours of your business. This approach disentangles your brand’s vision and core values, ensuring that the strategy not only aligns with these elements but also amplifies them. As businesses evolve, these ORM strategies harbor the necessary flexibility to adapt, fostering alignment between the brand’s trajectory and its perceived image.
Business landscapes are dynamic; thus, a static ORM strategy becomes obsolete. Embracing versatility and readiness for imminent growth or unexpected shifts underscores effective reputation management. In such a landscape, a company’s ability to navigate its reputation through transformational phases becomes a clear indicator of its understanding of the cyber terrain in which it operates.
Choose Our Online Reputation Management Services
Team Expertise and Experience
Delve into a team that harnesses deep-seated expertise in Online Reputation Management (ORM). With a comprehensive history of fortifying digital footprints, the team boasts a repertoire of elevating brand narratives for a wide range of clients. Distinctive among peers, our team’s adeptness in navigating the nuanced landscape of ORM has catalyzed success stories across sectors, particularly with burgeoning small businesses and innovative startups.
Getting Started with Our Services
Embarking on a service partnership should never be obscure or cumbersome. Our onboarding process is designed to be straightforward, guiding clients through each step with clarity. From the outset, a consultative approach ensures understanding of individual needs, tailoring strategies that resonate with the unique fabric of each brand’s online presence.
Invest in Your Online Reputation and Future
Weighing the balance of inaction against proactive ORM investment underscores a simple truth: the former may incur long-term setbacks, whereas the latter lays groundwork for enduring credibility. Seize control over how your brand is perceived online. For the sake of your digital legacy, take a moment to consider this strategic direction. To fortify your online reputation, reach out and initiate a conversation with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Addressing Common Queries About Online Reputation Management
When delving into the realm of online reputation management, numerous questions arise. Organizations and individuals alike seek clarity on how these services can fortify their digital presence.
Transparency in Process and Outcome Expectations
Clarity in the management process and the outcomes clients can anticipate often dictates the trust and rapport between a service provider and the client.
- What exactly do online reputation management services include?
These services encompass a range of strategies including search engine optimization, content development, social media management, and response strategies to negative reviews. Companies use these tools to shape public perception positively. - Can online reputation management remove negative content from the internet?
While removal of content is sometimes possible, the primary aim is to suppress negative content by outranking it with positive mentions and information in search engine results. - How long does it take to see results from reputation management efforts?
Noticeable changes in a reputation can materialize in a few weeks, but a stable and robust reputation takes consistent effort over many months or even years. - Are the outcomes of online reputation management services guaranteed?
Absolute guarantees are elusive due to the unpredictable nature of the internet. However, significant improvements are achievable with a sustained and strategic approach. - How much do online reputation Management services cost?
Costs vary according to the complexity of the issue, the level of service required, and the duration of the engagement. Businesses tailor their services to meet diverse needs, and pricing reflects these nuances. - Is online reputation management legal?
Yes, these services operate within legal parameters, focusing on ethical strategies to improve or restore an individual’s or business’s online image. - Can I monitor the progress of my online reputation management?
Service providers should offer reporting tools and analytics that allow clients to track the effectiveness and progress of the management strategies employed. - Will online reputation management help with my business’s SEO?
Reputation management often overlaps with SEO practices, as both focus on improving online visibility and authority, which can, in turn, enhance search engine rankings.
Let’s Talk About Your Online Reputation
Online visibility and search engine rankings and listings can be confusing. Talk to someone who has over 20 years of website marketing experience, combined with several years of experience. Talk to someone who can steer you in the right direction, not just someone who is going to try to “sell you” their services.
I will be happy to provide you with no obligation price quote for Online Reputation Management and help you fully understand the process and the costs involved. If you’d like more information about how much it costs, then read my post about the cost and pricing of ongoing services. The costs will vary depending on how much work needs to be done. And, it’s typically an ongoing monthly engagement–you’ll need to expect at least 3-6 months of work, maybe even longer, until you see great results.