by
Heather Legg
What
happens when your or a client’s online reputation starts showing
signs of damage? It’s time to repair it, and the sooner the
better.
With some certain strategies, you
may be there just in time to thwart any too severe damage.
As A Public Relations Pro – Do Your Thing
Your expertise is getting the positive information out there.
That’s one of the best things to do, and not worry about the
damaging material. The stronger you can make your client’s name
and reputation, the harder it will be to hurt it.
Bury the Bad
Get the damaging content into the dark abyss where no one really
looks. The more positive information that comes first in a
search, the better. Keep the good press coming, and create a
positive image that will take the place of any bad press, just
as in the above tip. The more positive content you can have
online about your client, the further down the SEO ranks the bad
information will fall. Most people don’t go past the first or
second page of results, so if you can fill those pages with
good, positive information, you’re ahead of the game.
Use Social Media
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+ – all of those will help
repair a damaged reputation. These often pop up at the head of
the search engines. Blogs are a great way to promote your client
and overcome any bad press, and video blogs are becoming
stronger players in the game. You can update any of these
frequently and easily so you can continue to combat any bad
press.
On the flip side, make sure any social media is used wisely and
nothing embarrassing or damaging is posted. If it is, try to get
it removed. It won’t always work, but you can attempt to remove
posts.
Make an Apology If Necessary
Sometimes an Internet reputation does get damaged for a valid
reason. If your client has made a mistake and an apology is due,
get it out there. It will do wonders for a reputation to take
responsibility and own up to that mistake. Not only will it
appease whoever was wronged, but it will also show your client’s
ethics and character.
Be Aware Of Content
Stay vigilant of what is out there. Do searches on your client
and make sure the reputation is in good standing. It’s easier to
fix things before too much damage is done, and the more you are
on top of it, the easier it is to do.
Nobody wants to see damaging content that can hurt an online
reputation, but unfortunately, it happens, whether true or not.
It can be hard to get rid of, but not impossible to remedy. Keep
an eye out about what’s out there, and remember to plug the
positive press.
Heather Legg is a freelance writer who writes
about
small businesses,
online
reputations and a variety of other topics.
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