It’s no secret that reputation matters. Think about it – you wouldn’t book a vacation spot or hire a babysitter without looking into reviews and recommendations, right? The same goes for businesses. Customers want to invest in products and services they can trust; therefore, your brand reputation is the most powerful leverage you have in business. Below, we break down factors that can help you strengthen your brand reputation over time.

Social media builds engagement 

In 2023, the majority of businesses should have a presence on social media. With so many social media platforms available, the trick is to determine the platforms that make the most sense for your business – and to focus solely on those platforms. If it doesn’t make sense for your business to share photos and videos on Instagram, maybe it makes more sense for your CEO to have an active presence on LinkedIn. If your audience isn’t active on Facebook anymore, maybe it’s time to develop a strong TikTok strategy. All in all, a consistent and strong social media presence can build brand awareness and deepen customer loyalty.     

Media coverage builds authority 

The importance of media coverage is not dead in 2023, as the majority of media outlets have turned to online publishing. Positive media coverage can be used to enhance your brand’s legitimacy, leaving an impression on the audience that your company is an expert on the topic at hand. 

It’s important to remember, though, that media coverage doesn’t look the same for every company. You might long to have a Wall Street Journal feature or to appear on the Today Show. But the truth is, coverage in a local blog or other publication might bring more customers to your doorstep. Don’t forget about industry publications, too!   

Online reviews build community 

Consumers like to do their research before making a purchase, and reviews are an easy way to get a snapshot of a business. Review platforms such as Yelp, Google and Trip Advisor showcase how customers truly feel about your brand, your product and your customer service efforts. This is why it’s crucial for businesses to monitor online reviews and respond accordingly. If your business receives a positive review, show that customer some love back by thanking them for their comments. In turn, if your business receives a negative review, you’ll want to actively respond to show your willingness to make things right. Reading these reviews can give you insight into how people view your business – what is working well and how you can improve. 

SEO builds visibility 

Search engine optimization is the process of improving the quality and quantity of website traffic to your company’s website from search engines such as Google. If you want to enhance your SEO foundation, you’ll want to focus on a mix of factors, such as authoritative website content (strong website copy, blog posts etc.); backlinks from trusted sources (media stories, mentions on partner websites, etc.); and a strong social media presence. 

Just like Rome wasn’t built in a day, your brand reputation won’t solidify overnight. But, your brand reputation is worth the long-term investment. Are you ready to take your brand’s reputation to the next level? Obsidian is one phone call away!