Your business’s reputation lives online. Whether you’re a local shop or a national brand, potential customers will Google your name before they ever walk through your door. That’s why reputation management for business has become one of the most important parts of a successful digital marketing strategy.
From reviews on Google and Yelp to social media mentions and blog comments, your online reputation shapes how people perceive your brand. For businesses in New Orleans and beyond, Get Online NOLA is here to help you take control of your digital presence and build a brand that customers trust.
Key Takeaways
- Your Online Reputation Directly Impacts Business Growth
Most consumers rely on online reviews before making decisions, making reputation management crucial for building trust, increasing visibility, and driving revenue. - Getting Google Reviews Is Essential and Achievable
By timing review requests right, simplifying the process, and training staff, businesses can consistently generate authentic Google reviews that boost local SEO. - Responding to Reviews Builds Credibility
Whether positive or negative, timely and professional responses to customer feedback show your commitment to service and help strengthen your brand image. - SEO and Reputation Management Go Hand-in-Hand
Regularly publishing keyword-rich content and using local SEO strategies can help promote positive content while suppressing negative search results. - Professional Help Can Maximize Your Efforts
Partnering with experts like Get Online NOLA ensures your reputation management and local SEO strategies are aligned, consistent, and driving measurable results.
Why Reputation Management is Critical for Business Growth
Reputation management is more than just responding to a few reviews. It’s about building long-term trust with your audience. According to studies, 87% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision. That means what people say about your business online directly affects your revenue.
Positive online reviews and strong ratings help build credibility. Meanwhile, unanswered negative reviews can scare off potential customers. A strong reputation also improves your visibility on search engines, especially in local searches. That’s why businesses rely on Get Online NOLA’s Local SEO services to not only increase visibility but also build a reputation that converts searchers into buyers.
How to Get Google Reviews for Your Business?
Google reviews play a major role in building business credibility and boosting local search rankings. Here’s how to consistently generate quality reviews:
1. Ask at the right time: After a positive interaction or successful service, kindly ask your customer to leave a review. Timing matters—a happy customer is more likely to give a glowing review when asked promptly.
2. Make it easy: Share your Google review link via email, receipts, or even QR codes in your physical location. Remove any barriers that could stop someone from leaving a review.
3. Encourage authenticity: Avoid bribing customers. Instead, say thank you with a follow-up email or message. Google discourages incentivized reviews, but a polite nudge goes a long way.
4. Train your staff: Your front-line team should know how and when to ask for reviews. Train them to do it naturally, without being pushy.
5. Add CTAs across platforms: Use buttons like “Leave a Review on Google” in your emails, website footer, and on social media.
By following these simple steps, you’ll build a steady stream of honest, positive feedback that strengthens your digital reputation.
Case Study: Dading Marques & Associates
For years we’ve worked with Louisiana land surveying company, Dading Marques & Associates, on their digital presence. With more and more potential clients finding them on Google, their reputation needed to shine on their business listing! After starting our review generator service, we were able to help this local business reach its happiest customers for a review. This brought their star rating on Google from 3 to a 4.7! Now their reviews match their great work and dedication to their clients.
10 Proven Reputation Management Strategies
1. Claim and Optimize Your Business Listings
Start by claiming your business profiles on major platforms like Google Business Profile, Yelp, Facebook, and Bing. Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) are consistent across all directories.
Optimizing these listings with accurate categories, business hours, photos, and service details builds trust and improves your local SEO. It also makes it easier for customers to find and review your business.
2. Monitor Online Mentions Regularly
Reputation management for business includes staying on top of what’s being said about you. Set up Google Alerts or use tools like Mention or Brand24 to track when your business name appears online.
Monitoring helps you respond quickly to negative press or social media comments before they escalate. This proactive approach shows your audience that you care.
3. Encourage Positive Customer Reviews
Positive reviews are the backbone of online reputation. Ask happy customers to share their experiences on Google, Facebook, or Yelp.
Make the process smooth and easy. You can create a review request campaign through email or SMS. Just ensure that it’s genuine and doesn’t feel forced. Asking customers to leave a review is key – many people simply won’t proactively leave a review unless prompted. When we started working on Royal Praline Company’s online reputation, they had few reviews for their French Quarter store. In just two months, we boosted their star rating with over 40 new reviews from their real customers.
4. Respond Professionally to All Reviews (Even Bad Ones)
Responding to reviews, good or bad, demonstrates that you value feedback. Thank customers for positive reviews and express appreciation for their support.
For negative reviews, respond calmly and professionally. Apologize for any inconvenience and offer to resolve the issue offline. This shows prospective customers that you care about delivering quality service.
5. Create and Share Positive Content
Creating positive content is an effective way to shape your digital reputation. Publish blog posts, case studies, and testimonials that highlight your business values, success stories, and customer satisfaction.
Share this content on your website and across social media platforms. Not only does this boost credibility, but it also improves SEO and helps push down any negative content in search results.
6. Leverage Social Media to Build Trust
Your social media presence is a public reflection of your brand. Use it to connect with your audience, share updates, and show your human side.
Respond to comments and messages promptly. Share user-generated content, reviews, and behind-the-scenes photos to build a sense of community and authenticity.
7. Use SEO to Push Down Negative Content
Sometimes, negative reviews or outdated content can rank high in search results. The best way to combat this is through Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Publish fresh, keyword-rich content on your blog and website. Optimize your existing pages and build backlinks to improve their ranking. Get Online NOLA’s Local SEO services can help boost your visibility and ensure that positive, relevant content appears first.
8. Maintain a Fast, Mobile-Friendly Website
Your website plays a huge role in shaping first impressions. A slow, outdated, or broken website can damage your reputation instantly.
Make sure your site is mobile-friendly, loads quickly, and is secure (HTTPS). A clean, modern design and clear call-to-action make it easier for visitors to trust your business.
9. Set Up a Crisis Management Plan
No matter how strong your reputation is, things can go wrong. Be prepared with a crisis management plan.
Decide who will handle public responses, how you’ll communicate on different platforms, and how you’ll address customer concerns. Planning ahead helps you respond swiftly and protect your brand.
10. Work with a Reputation Management Expert
Managing your reputation is time-consuming, especially when you’re focused on running your business. That’s where agencies like Get Online NOLA come in.
With experience in local SEO, review generation, and digital marketing, we provide customized strategies that align with your goals. Let our team help you build a strong online presence that drives trust, visibility, and growth.
How Local SEO and Reputation Go Hand in Hand
Your online reputation directly impacts how your business ranks in local search results. Google takes into account your reviews, star rating, and review frequency when deciding who to show in the Local Pack (the map section of search results).
Consistent citations, a high volume of positive reviews, and responsive review management signal to Google that your business is trustworthy and relevant.
By combining strong reputation management for business with Local SEO, you improve your chances of getting discovered by nearby customers. Get Online NOLA specializes in optimizing both to help your business stand out in New Orleans and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Managing your reputation isn’t optional; it’s essential. From Google reviews to social media, every touchpoint influences how people view your brand.
By following these 10 strategies, you’ll build a resilient, positive reputation that supports business growth, customer loyalty, and local search visibility.
Need help managing your online reputation? Contact Get Online NOLA today and let our team of experts help you take control of your brand’s digital image.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I have a bad review removed from my business profile?
Yes and no. It is possible to have fraudulent reviews removed from your profile if you can prove to Google that the review is, in fact, fraud. However, this process is time-consuming and may still not work. This is why it is important to respond to all reviews, both good and bad.
2. What is the difference between reputation management and public relations (PR)?
Reputation management focuses on monitoring and improving your business’s online presence, like reviews and search results. Public relations, on the other hand, is broader and includes managing media coverage, events, and brand perception across all communication channels, both online and offline.
3. How often should I audit my online reputation?
It’s a good idea to audit your online reputation at least once a quarter. This includes checking reviews, mentions, and search engine results. Regular audits help you identify trends, catch issues early, and ensure your brand is consistently represented across all digital platforms.
4. Can negative reviews ever help my business?
Yes, when handled professionally. Negative reviews give you a chance to show accountability and customer service skills. Responding thoughtfully to criticism can actually increase trust, demonstrate transparency, and turn unhappy customers into loyal advocates when the issue is resolved.
5. Should small businesses invest in reputation management tools?
Absolutely. Even small businesses can benefit from affordable tools that monitor online mentions, reviews, and social media. These tools save time, ensure prompt responses, and help small teams stay on top of brand perception without needing a full-time staff. When local dry cleaning business, Young’s Dry Cleaning, started utilizing reputation management software, they raised their average by one whole star in just three months.