Establishing an online presence is an intrinsic part of modern business. Even small businesses are beginning to find that promoting themselves online is a better way to grow as a business, owing to its lower overall cost and wider reach. But with growth comes competition. If they’re looking to thrive, businesses must present their selves in a positive light and defend from smear campaigns and negative press.
The expanding business is heavily dependent on being where the customers are; with social media becoming a primary activity in the lives of many people, establishing a presence in social media is one of the best places to connect with customers, current and potential. The nascent business may need only a few social media pages to its name at first (which, in particular cases, can even take the place of a brick-and-mortar place).
The business’ need for a positive online presence and, eventually, an online reputation management campaign, grows with it. Once it has taken root and is looking to expand, it can no longer rely on the bare minimum anymore. It needs to expand its reach in social media to keep in touch with its customers, attract new ones, and address customer concerns that would lead to operational improvement, and create and share content to promote its brand and to help foster connections with its customer base.
A visible social media presence is also important in keeping the image of the business positive. A growing business would attract its share of customers of either the elated or unpleasable varieties; it is up to the business to make sure that the reviews of the former overshadow that of the latter. Moreover, the threat posed by negative content, whether by irate customers or unscrupulous competitors, only grows as the business does. The business’ owners and managers should develop habits (such as searching for their business name periodically) that would help them spot and pre-empt negative press as it comes.
Whether proactive or reactive, online reputation management aids in creating the favorable atmosphere necessary to help the business make that crucial first impression to online viewers. And with a lot of potential customers being found online, the need to have a good first impression that lasts should be of utmost concern for the growing business.
Further reading:
http://www.cio.com/article/714872/10_Online_Reputation_Management_Tips_for_Businesses
http://digitalsherpa.com/internet-reputation-management-priority-business/