The internet has become an integral part of our lives, and the online world added a new dimension to expand your business and promotion of your brand – and ultimately your reputation.
With over three billion active users of the internet worldwide, it’s a compelling necessity to include brand reputation management to your 2015 marketing plan.
The ideal way to manage brand reputation is to make sure you’re telling an engrossing story – and a relevant story. Controlling your message is a must for marketing and PR professionals in view of the growing popularity of social media. You should still continue your engagement and not lose your grip on your followers.
First and foremost, you must make a good first impression – an impression that will endure. Remember viewers are impatient and linger for not more than a second or two on your website. Thus, first impressions are so crucial because they produce a ‘halo effect.’ If your website looks good, that will create an unforgettable and lasting impression in the minds of the viewers.
Experts opine that your brand is derived from ‘a mix of who you are, who you want to be, and who people perceive you to be.’ Your reputation is reflected in your brand. You can help this process by making your brand familiar to your prospects ad existing customers.
There are several small things you should take care of- how your company responds to incoming phone calls, what your salespeople wear and how they converse, the interior of your office, your logo, your e-mail signature, etc. A Brand is every employee’s responsibility – not just the burden of PR and marketing officials.
You must get to the basics and ensure the whole company understands the corporate mission, vision, values, and objectives – so the entire organization can all believe, live and demonstrate this.
It’s imperative that you streamline and manage your brand consistently on every online channel you use. Try to assess all aspects of each online channel such as the extent of reach, scale of popularity, the vibrancy of interactions, levels of engagement, an effectiveness of messaging, audience demographics, etc.
Avoid using all online channels for the sake of it. Instead discerningly use the channels where your prospects proliferate. It is pointless spending time on channels where your type of prospects is absent.
Evolve the right strategy and decide where your brand needs to be regularly seen, what messages are effective, and who your influencers are. Remember creating a circle of influencers online can have a positive and rewarding impact on your brand.