In December of 2022, Southwest Airlines shut down nearly 100% of flights, leaving customers angry and confused.
This company damaged its reputation within one day and lost many long-term customers. There are many contributing components to a reputation, and as a business owner, you need to understand what they are.
If you want a better business reputation, you must put yourself out there and try new strategies. Keep reading to discover the most effective ways to improve your company reputation and sales!
Enhance the Customer Experience
One of the best ways to improve your business reputation is by focusing on your customer experience.
When you build a brand, customers will only remember it if you do something different from competitors. You can improve this experience by creating a relaxing area, where consumers don’t feel rushed or pressured.
Some businesses create unique experiences by offering samples, answering questions, and incorporating technology. Customers should have a quick and painless experience at your store or office.
Keeping things organized and clean will also help improve reputations. Studies show that clutter can negatively impact mental health, which will ultimately come down to your consumers.
Increase Consistency
If you want to grow your business, you need to provide consistent products and services.
Customers want to know that your brand is reliable and predictable. Although changing things up can help stir excitement, you don’t want confused customers. Pay attention to your customer service team procedures, and shipping timelines.
As customers start to depend on your brand, your reputation will organically improve. Many businesses make the mistake of not putting a system in place. Start with staff and internal processes, and you’ll notice customers consistently making purchases.
eReleases‘ press writing services can help you engage with your audience more often. You can save time by hiring our team and improving your reputation with published articles.
Participate in Community Events
Community events are often sponsored by nearby companies, especially if the events are for children.
You can improve your reputation by hosting business Easter egg hunts, sales, and community service events. When you go into the community, you get a chance to connect with people that may not know your brand.
Even if your services aren’t needed, you can network and build connections through word-of-mouth. People like to support small businesses, but if you’re hiding, they can offer you any help.
Another way to participate in events is by sponsoring fields and athletic centers for teams to play on. You can make a positive impact in your community and share the events with a press release. eReleases can get your brand in front of thousands of consumers and share the wonderful things you’re doing in your hometown.
Upgrade Your Technology
Outdated tech could be costing your company a lot of money and putting your customers at risk.
Old technology doesn’t have as many security features, which puts your customer’s details in a vulnerable position. If someone got hacked while ordering your products, it could disrupt your reputation. By upgrading your devices, you can reduce loading times and increase trust.
Avoid innovative tech that your staff and customers don’t know how to use, but make some upgrades from the past. Your databases, websites, and devices should be easy to use and efficient.
Metaverse has gained popularity in recent years, and you can benefit from its software. Your business can join the Metaverse, which will improve your reputation in more than one reality.
Respond Online
If you aren’t representing yourself online, customers and competitors will do it for you.
Whenever you check social media, review sites, or your website, view your messages and comments. A lot of people use these forms of communication to learn more about a company and determine if they want to make a purchase. If they write and you never respond, it’ll be easy to forget your brand.
Don’t be afraid to start conversations and teach customers more about your products and/or services. Even if someone has a negative comment, you can try to resolve the issue and help them see another side of your company. You must avoid being rude and make sure that what you say will reflect your business positively.
Develop an Engaging Website
Since the start of the pandemic, nearly 30% of business owners have made plans to improve their websites.
COVID shut down storefronts and changed things up for many industries. This brought attention to company websites. If you don’t have a site, or you have one but it’s outdated, you need to get started. Business websites need to have simple navigation, an explanation of services, and a storefront page.
Without a good website, customers might not think your business is still open. Online shopping and planning have given people access to conveniences that they don’t want to lose. Make sure you’re keeping up with the trends and posting regular content.
If you struggle to manage sites, social media, and blogs, check out our prices at eReleases!
Don’t Lie
Beating around the bush, lying, and covering things up can harm your reputation.
No matter what happened, you need to be transparent when dealing with internal and customer issues. If someone has a question about your products or services, you need to give an honest answer and provide context.
If customers catch you or your staff in a lie, the word can quickly get out and put your company on the defensive. Social media can be a powerful tool for building and destroying a reputation. There’s a good chance that you could get put in the spotlight (for the wrong reasons) if you aren’t honest with your customers.
Take Care of Your Team
Word always gets out if management isn’t taking good care of their employees.
Sometimes, no matter how amazing your product or services are, some people won’t support your company. They may have heard bad things about the safety conditions or harassment and don’t want to spend their money on your brand.
If you’re dealing with PR issues from old management, you need to start with the basics. Taking care of your team’s mental health and promoting from within will help your brand succeed in the long run. Companies like Shein and Apple, have gotten bad reputations from the ways they treat staff.
Treat everyone like the valuable asset they are, since no job is too small when running a business.
Sign Up for Social Media
If you want to impress younger generations, or even have a fighting chance in the future, you need to join social media.
People spend hours a day scrolling through TikTok videos and Facebook feeds. If you don’t have a social media page, you’re missing out on many opportunities. Not only will social media help you connect more with your audience, but it can also help you showcase your brand values and mission.
Some consumers have issues with companies because they don’t communicate changes efficiently. With social media, you can give minute-by-minute updates, go live, or post announcements whenever you need.
Social media can also help you build your reputation since you can post photos and videos of your impressive work.
Host Fun Events
Throwing an annual party or hosting holiday events can help you connect with your community.
Since your entire reputation can’t be handled online, you need to get in front of consumers and show them a fun time. Customers want to explore your brand and values, and parties are a great opportunity for them to discover what you have to offer.
Whether you want to host events for your staff, consumers, vendors, or all of them, it can improve your image. If people have a good time celebrating at one of your events, the news will get out and people will want another chance to attend.
Answer Your Phones
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting stuck on hold for hours or getting sent straight to voicemail.
Depending on your products and services, you need to provide excellent customer service and answer the phones. Emergencies and questions come up and you don’t want your customers to feel left in the dark. If you don’t offer 24/7 call services, make sure you display your hours online and keep your mailbox empty.
An ignored phone call will make customers feel like they aren’t important. Answer the phones in a positive mood and you’ll watch your reputation soar!
What Is Your Business Reputation Like?
Much like trust, it takes a long time and a lot of work to build a business reputation.
Years of work could be undone in a day because of poor services and inconsistencies. Working with Ereleases and stepping up your content game can help you become more memorable in the industry. Your business concept might not be perfect for everyone, but you’ll trend upward after trying these strategies.
Make sure you complete our order form so that custom press releases can go public and show off the value of your company!