3 Harsh Truths That Will Make You Better at Managing Your Reputation

Sometimes, getting smacked in the face with cold hard truths is the best way to see your mistakes. No one likes a slap in the face, but the harsh reality is that it’s the only way to grow. That is especially true in online reputation management where it’s easy to get fooled by vanity data and lose sight of what really matters to customers.

With that in mind, here are three harsh truths that (hopefully) will make you better at managing your reputation. When you have finished reading them, read them again and again until you understand their impact on your small business.

1. People Have an Internal BS Detector

Have you ever been the victim of clickbait journalism? You probably remember a time when you couldn’t resist clicking on a headline that promised to give you ten mind-blowing tips that will keep you looking 25 forever. I can almost guarantee you were disappointed by what you read.

The point is, being genuine online is one of the easiest things you can do for your small business. The problem is that companies are so focused on trying to promote themselves that they can go to extreme lengths to make you like them. But, they forget two important things:

1. People have a natural BS detector built in and can tell instantly if you are fake;
2. The most important thing that makes people engage with a business is trust;

People will not be motivated to engage with you if your answer to their complaints is dishonest. In fact, according to one study, 63% of consumers said they would buy from an authentic brand over one that is perceived as deceptive.

Think about that the next time you craft your replies and your messages.

2. People Only Talk About You If You Suck or If You Are Amazing

As much as you want to believe your small business is important, the truth of the matter is that most people don’t care about it. That is unless you screw something up, or you are amazing at what you’re doing.

While we can all reach greatness, we can’t all stay away from negative press. As much as you try, you can’t please everyone, and you will get a fair share of negative feedbacks. But that’s good. Study after study shows that online reviews are important to online customers and that many perceive business without negative comments as less credible.

3. The Best Online Reputation Strategy Is to Let Others Do It for You

People are placing maximum importance on the opinions of others in every aspect of their lives. The digital world is no different. Prospects read blog posts, online reviews, and comments before making a purchase decision. Ask any PR professional and they will tell you that the best way to promote your business is by leveraging other people to do it. What other people say, think, and do about you has a dramatic influence on how prospects will perceive you.