Reputation matters! It does to everyone, whether it’s a well-established brand, like Coke, or a new brand in the market. Consumers in UAE want to be associated with brands that have a reputation, one that is reliable and trustworthy. For this very reason, online reputation management has become a need for companies in the UAE. Read on to find out more!
What Does Online Reputation Management Mean?
Online reputation management (ORM), simply put, is the all about creating and then maintaining good standing for your business online. It is the method through which companies develop strategies to shape and influence their online audience to hold a certain positive and likable perception of the company, product or service.
Any negativity surrounding a business can be taken care of by putting into play the concept of online reputation management. Some companies use this strategy to ensure that they stay in a positive light for their consumers, while others put the strategy to use only when they have to counter or eliminate the negative content online regarding their company or its products and services.
Growing Trend of Online Reputation Management
While it’s imperative to create and maintain an online digital media presence to help increase your audience and consumer base, it is just as important to manage your reputation online. According to a survey carried out by TripAdvisor, around 97% of businesses confirm that online reputation management is a vital component of their business. The same survey discusses how online reviews hold value for 97% of business and their managing their presence on social media has a similar importance for 92% of companies.
Why Online Reputation Management Matters So Much
In the past, things were done differently, we didn’t live in such a digital centered consumer world, and reputation management had nothing to do with the online world. But living in today’s day and age, it’s suicidal almost if a business doesn’t invest in and maintain some form of online reputation management. Apart from hampering down on any negative effects, there are many other reasons why ORM is important. Some of these are discussed below:
1- Customers Influence More Customers
Consumers aren’t won over by mere advertisements anymore. Nowadays, they need more than that. They need reviews, honest opinions, and feedback of customers who have already tried out the company before. This is why what your customers write online about you matters so much because a single negative review about your product or service can mean one lost sale potentially.
On the other hand, good reviews and positive feedback can influence many into trying out your company. So ORM is important so that your customers only have nice things to say about you, which will help influence and bring in more potential customers.
2- Increased Level of Engagement
Online reputation management is a good way to engage with your customers. While a bad comment online requires more effort to handle, that doesn’t mean that a good comment is just ignored. Appreciating and thanking your consumers online for their good words is also a part of ORM, one that many companies forget about. But you should definitely make sure you take care of this because it will help build trust between you and the consumer, and consumers in UAE value trust a lot.
Don’t Run Away from ORM
ORM is something no company can run away from. While it may be overwhelming, but with the correct tools and strategies, it is very easily manageable. Many brands have broken down because of lack of proper online reputation management. Make sure your isn’t one of them!
