Your online reputation management checklist for 2021

Online reputation management has been a rising trend over the last decade and it is important now more so than ever. In an online, always connected world, where every move is scrutinised reputation management is key. Having a strong brand voice and clear values in a cluttered digital realm is critical.

A person is using a digital pen write five stars icon.

As we head into 2021, looking forward at ways to manage and ensure your online presence always reflects your brand values is something every business needs to do. This checklist shows you how best achieve it.

 

1. Review and refresh your online brand guidelines 

Always try to review and refresh your online brand guidelines at least once a year. As platforms grow in popularity and the ways to connect and engage with your customers increase, ensuring your brand guidelines are followed, and appropriate for each platform and forum is key. Good brand guidelines include: a logo, catch phrase, color scheme and areas that define your brand presence.

 

2. Conduct an audit and set goals

Once you have refreshed your guidelines it is time to take stock of your online presence with an audit. This will help identify any areas of focus and improvement as well as where to continue to grow. Based on your findings, set brand goals for the year and then break it down by quarter. An example of this is to set a sales target for the year and then based on this set quarterly brand goals that help you achieve that goal.

 

3. Manage your reputation across social media  

Social media platforms are undoubtedly some of the most important platforms to leverage from a brand perspective. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok all have their own audiences, segments and niches that engage with your brand. Keeping track through alerts and updates about sentiment and mentions and making sure your brand tone fits into the various segments will help you connect more.

Man pointing the five star reviewed bar.

4. Utilise business directories for reach

Business directories are a hugely helpful tool for any small business and appearing on them helps cement your brand, and reputation, as one that is credible. More than that, directories allow for reach and a solid standing – the more you can appear in that are relevant to your business can allow for a broader customer reach and lead generation.

 

5. Keep your GMB listing up to date and stay active

A Google My Business (GMB) profile is a must-have for both marketing and online reputation management. The online directory on Google allows you to list basic details, add images and receive customer reviews and feedback. 

It is a great platform for interacting and engaging with customers with, and in turn, their reviews and feedback help showcase your business to more customers. Staying active and responding to reviews, good or bad, and being authentic allow you to truly engage and connect with your customers and potential customers.

 

 6. Automate your brand management

As more and more tools and platforms become available each year automation begins to play a bigger and bigger role and with it online brand management software. From updating business details, managing social and much more, automation and software is key for scale.

 

7. Refine and refresh your strategy

In an ever changing world, refining and refreshing your strategy for your online reputation management is a move every business needs to make to ensure you are on top of things.

Reputation management concept. Building relationship with people and improving customer loyalty. Idea of online rating and feedback.

White Pages Connect allows you to quickly and easily update your business details across numerous platforms, schedule posts across social media sites and stay on top of managing conversations. Find out more.