Your online reputation plays a massive role in the success of your business or career. Without proper management, you might end up in a downward spiral, and your reputation — although possible — may be difficult to rebuild.
In our last article, we shared with you a brief overview of what a damaged reputation can do to your business. You may deal with negative feedback from customers, get media backlash, and even lose some clients.
Because you can’t ignore the gravity of the situation, it’s best to work with experts and get reputation management services to help fix the situation and put you back on your feet. Here are other tips that could help you repair your online reputation. Let’s take a look!
Prevent Online Reputation Damage From Happening
The key to dealing with a damaged reputation is by preventing it from happening in the first place. But let’s say the damage has been done, what should you do?
Take a step back and understand the depth of the damage. Everything you do from here will greatly affect your reputation and brand, so it’s best to monitor what’s happening around the issue. Once you understand the situation, taking a proactive approach and getting reputation management services to fix the situation will let the issue die sooner.
Now that you’ve managed the issue, it’s best to keep track of what is being said across channels to ensure that you won’t make the same mistakes again.
Have a Feasible Plan
When you’re dealing with a reputation crisis, you and your team must have a well-designed plan to help counter the negative backlash.
Remember, this plan is your roadmap to recovery, so ensure that all factors are being considered and all issues are being targeted. Additionally, communication is key to the plan’s success, so ensure that everyone is on the same page and that all communications are coming from the right spokesperson.
Speak to Your Investors and Stakeholders
Depending on the severity of the problem, you might need to reach out to your investors and stakeholders to grasp the situation. Firstly, you want to apologize for what has happened and let them know that damage repair is being taken care of.
Apologizing is a vital step in the whole process, so ensure that you make it count. Start by issuing a formal apology on your online platforms and other channels. At one point, you might even think of putting a positive to a situation, but it’s best to stick to the facts instead.
A genuine apology will significantly benefit your image, so make sure it’s brief, factual, and sincere. Additionally, providing updates to investors and stakeholders regarding the situation will ensure that proper steps are being taken.
Create an Effective Recovery Plan
While dealing with the situation, promises to make things better were made. And now that everything is in your control, make sure to have an effective recovery plan ready and deliver the promises you made.
Online reputation management services can help you and your PR and communications team create a recovery roadmap that will salvage your business and image.
By reaching out to clients and customers for feedback and communicating with your investors and stakeholders, you’ll be able to create an effective recovery plan that will help put your business back on track.
Final Thought: Dealing with Damaged Online Reputation Can Be Challenging, But It’s Not Impossible
As discussed in part one of our ultimate guide to repairing your online reputation, dealing with a damaged reputation can be tricky. But if you follow the right steps, practice prevention efforts, and work with a team that can provide reputation management services, you’ll be able to repair your reputation adequately and fulfill your promises of being better.
Are You Looking For Online Reputation Management Services?
Rebuilding a damaged reputation isn’t a piece of cake, but the good news is that it’s possible to recover. Thankfully, Internetzone I is here to turn things around and use reputation management services to repair your reputation.
Besides impressive reputation management efforts, we also offer web design and development, SEO services, eCommerce services, and more. Learn more about how we can help you today!