by Ruth Fullerton-Reeves | Feb 17, 2024
Google Reviews. BBB. LinkedIn Recommendations. TripAdvisor. Yelp. Facebook Reviews . . . and so many more online directories where a local business can be reviewed. Do YOU know what THEY are saying about your business? Did you know that 52% of consumers report that positive customer reviews make them more likely to use a local business compared to just 28%, who make their selection based on other factors like location and price. It’s time to take control of your presence on external review sites (like Google, Yelp, and Facebook), and give your social media accounts some real estate dedicated to online reviews. In this workshop, we will talk about managing your online reputation and reviews, and how to get glowing, reputable reviews you and consumers can trust.
REGISTER HERE
by Ruth Fullerton-Reeves | Dec 11, 2023
Google Reviews. BBB. LinkedIn Recommendations. TripAdvisor. Yelp. Facebook Reviews . . . and so many more online directories where a local business can be reviewed. Do YOU know what THEY are saying about your business? Did you know that 52% of consumers report that positive customer reviews make them more likely to use a local business compared to just 28%, who make their selection based on other factors like location and price. It’s time to take control of your presence on external review sites (like Google, Yelp, and Facebook), and give your social media accounts some real estate dedicated to online reviews. In this workshop, we will talk about managing your online reputation and reviews, and how to get glowing, reputable reviews you and consumers can trust.
REGISTER HERE
by MelanieD | Jan 28, 2020 | Blog
Reviews. Recommendations. Testimonials.
Are you monitoring your online reputation? Do you know what’s being said about your business? I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “people do business with and refer business to people they know, like and trust.” And while it might sound old, worn out or overused, truer words have never been spoken. Monitoring your online reputation is vital. Let me explain.
It’s crucial to monitor all the online directories and review sites where people are talking about your business. It’s even more important to respond to those reviews: respond to all the reviews, not just the 5-star reviews. Someone took time out of their day to talk about their wonderful experience with you, so take a minute to respond! Perhaps someone had a less than stellar experience with you. Take the time to respond to them as well. And don’t forget about the “other people–the stalkers” who are watching how you respond.
Make a plan, before it’s a PR emergency
Monitor your reputation and establish a review response strategy. By having “canned responses” that are easily personalized, you can save time AND build relationships with your former, current and future clients. Some examples of canned responses:
“Thank you
FIRST NAME for the kind words. We here at
BUSINESS NAME strive to provide excellence service for all of our clients.”
OR
“
FIRST NAME, we understand your experience at
BUSINESS NAME was not satisfactory. Please reach out to us at “contact info” so we can explore this situation a bit further.”
Want to learn more about monitoring your online reputation and establishing a review response strategy? We offer a few options. You can schedule a
workshop for your business or group and learn together. Or we can develop a custom strategy for your business. We’re happy to chat with you. Schedule a call today:
melaniediehl.as.me
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![[podcast] Round Peg Media interviews Melanie Diehl about Google Maps]()
by MelanieD | Jun 27, 2017 | Blog
Melanie Diehl discusses the importance of every business claiming and verifying their Google Maps listing in this short (10 minute) podcast with Lorraine Ball of Round Peg Media.
Listen to the podcast here
by MelanieD | Sep 26, 2015 | Blog
Negative comments, nasty rumors, 1-star reviews . . . less than positive online statements can hurt business owners in so many ways. Not only can they have an adverse effect on the success of the business, but quite often, they can cause emotional pain to the business owner as well. Many small business owners have invested everything they have into their business, including finances, time, even blood, sweat and tears, and some can’t help but take these words personally. The business owner who has very tough skin may not take these words to heart, but that is not the case for everyone. Regardless of the business owner’s sensitivity, these issues must be dealt with gracefully and respectfully. Let’s explore some opportunities for letting our best customer service skills shine when it seems like everything is on the line.
Scenario: The Facebook “Anytown, USA Community Information Group” with over 10,000 members 
is very active. Newcomers to Anytown, USA post questions asking for referrals on everything from child care to hair dressers to restaurants to where to buy new tires for their car. Generally, the conversation is helpful and positive, and the members of this online community are excited to share their positive experiences with others. But, on occasion, there is the disgruntled consumer who decides to vent his dissatisfaction publicly, and there ensues a tirade against a local business, with many of the group members joining in on the conversation. Eventually, the owner of said business finds out about the conversation, and knows something has to be done, but what?
Ideally, the business owner can connect with the original unhappy customer in a more private manner and settle the issue civilly. If the customer is truly satisfied with the outcome, the business owner should respectfully ask the customer to remove the negative comment, and to perhaps post in the group again, this time thanking the business owner for settling the matter and letting the community know of their acceptable agreement.
However, if they cannot come to an agreement, then it’s time for personal convictions on the part of the business owner. One of the hardest things for a business owner who feels she’s being “bullied” is to sit quietly by, watching the horror unfold online. Some business owners decide to let the tirade work itself out, because they don’t want to be part of the negative conversation, or they want to “take the high road.” Sometimes, the best practice is to defend the business and the employees, and make a positive statement without getting into a “spitting match.” And sometimes, all it takes is for some of the business’s biggest fans to come to the rescue and let them take the reins.
Bottom Line: in talking to consumers and business owners alike, the theme surrounding this mentality seems to be the same: those taking the time and energy to publicly trash a local business owner are not to be taken very seriously, and like Mom always said, “If you ignore them, they’ll go away.” Maybe Mom’s advice should be applied to this situation as well.
