It’s a subject that most likely concerned us all greatly in Junior High: Reputation Management.It’s a big, virtual world out there and whether you like it or not, people are talking about you! The good news is, you can make sure it’s not all behind your back.
Fact is, there are more people online creating “buzz” about you than you create yourself, and considering how much you invest in marketing, it’s not to be ignored!
One of my favorite blogs, marketingprofs, recently offered 6 keys ways to manage your reputation online. I’ve summarized my fave’s.
…and yes you can do it all from your computer at home (but don’t tell this to your boss)!
1. Google—Google.com/alerts
Set up an alert and you’ll know whenever someone writes something about you, or even your competitors. Best to set it up in your RSS reader and you can sort the results to find out who the biggest talkers are… and who to kiss up to!
2. Blog Posts—Technorati.com
If you have a blog, register and Technorati will track other blogs who are linking to yours. What’s the point? It’s all about relationship management. Try to link to them in your blog, comment and spread the love.
3. Blog comments—Backtype.com
It’s so important to comment on blog posts that mention you, whether positive or negative. Use backtype.com to keep track of all of the conversations you participate in. The coolest part is you will begin to find out who the key influencers are (one bad apple can spoil the whole barrel) and do a little targeted damage control. And for those singing your praises? Tell them you appreciate it.
4. Discussion Boards—Boardtracker.com
Get alerts when someone in a “forum” mentions your name, and join the top few. Then you can establish yourself as a leader on the topic and offer resources. What great publicity!
So remember, it might be overwhelming at first, but after you’re up and running you will have a great picture of who is talking about you, what they are saying, and also the opportunity to inform, educate and be a good community citizen.
Just do it!
–Jennifer Zapf, Art Director
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2 comments:
Great post. Thanks for sharing. We just started a buzz marketing company that tracks online reputation for small and medium-sized businesses. We want to help those companies that my not have the time or knowledge to monitor and engage in managing online reputation become part of conversation.
Cari
Buzz.io
Hi Cari-
Thanks for the post. This is the number one response I get- "I have no time to do these things!" As with traditional PR, it can help to enlist the services of professionals.
Our job at the Byne Group is to help our clients build trust and value with their customers. Part of this is encouraging innovation and finding approaches that allow us to provide the best service for our clients through technology.
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