If you're a small business owner, you know how important your reputation is, both online and offline. Positive reviews can influence new customers and drive sales, while negative reviews can scare people away from your business.
Luckily, you don't have to spend every night tracking down reviews one by one. There are several tools to help you manage your online reputation, and we've compiled a list of the best ones for 2017.
1. Yelp
Yelp continues to be the #1 site for online reviews, so claiming your business here is key. Once you do, you can add information, websites and respond to all reviews. A well-crafted response is important, especially when the review is negative. If customers see a genuine (read: not canned) response it can lessen the impact of a bad review.
2. Google My Business
Google has gotten into the review game, and there are a few ways you can use the search engine powerhouse to your advantage. Monitor your reviews through your Google Business page by claiming and verifying your location, and follow the same response guidelines suggested above. You can also sign up for Google Alerts for your business name so you can be emailed mentions of your business online and track down reviews regularly. Google reviews are also vital for local SEO.
3. Brand24
If you want to monitor your brand as well as your reviews, Brand24 can help. This service monitors not just reviews of your business, but also conversations across the web about your brand and the industry as a whole. You can gain valuable insights from your target demographic and industry experts while providing excellent customer service.
4. Site Booster
Site Booster is the app you want when you're aiming for visibility. Whether you're a new business, or having trouble getting on page one of Google, Site Booster can help. The app distributes your business information (name, address, phone number, etc.) to all review sites, maps and more. You can include your business description and categories for additional keyword targeting.
5. Reputation.com
On Reputation.com, you can claim your business for an analysis of trends and changes in your online reviews. This can help you monitor customer experience feedback, seasonal trends and customer demographics for better reviews over time. You can also implement their suggested surveys and competitor analysis.
Whether you decide to use a service or check reviews manually, your online reputation is important. Keep your monitoring up-to-date and make sure to respond to keep past and future customers happy!
1. Yelp
Yelp continues to be the #1 site for online reviews, so claiming your business here is key. Once you do, you can add information, websites and respond to all reviews. A well-crafted response is important, especially when the review is negative. If customers see a genuine (read: not canned) response it can lessen the impact of a bad review.
2. Google My Business
Google has gotten into the review game, and there are a few ways you can use the search engine powerhouse to your advantage. Monitor your reviews through your Google Business page by claiming and verifying your location, and follow the same response guidelines suggested above. You can also sign up for Google Alerts for your business name so you can be emailed mentions of your business online and track down reviews regularly. Google reviews are also vital for local SEO.
3. Brand24
If you want to monitor your brand as well as your reviews, Brand24 can help. This service monitors not just reviews of your business, but also conversations across the web about your brand and the industry as a whole. You can gain valuable insights from your target demographic and industry experts while providing excellent customer service.
4. Site Booster
Site Booster is the app you want when you're aiming for visibility. Whether you're a new business, or having trouble getting on page one of Google, Site Booster can help. The app distributes your business information (name, address, phone number, etc.) to all review sites, maps and more. You can include your business description and categories for additional keyword targeting.
5. Reputation.com
On Reputation.com, you can claim your business for an analysis of trends and changes in your online reviews. This can help you monitor customer experience feedback, seasonal trends and customer demographics for better reviews over time. You can also implement their suggested surveys and competitor analysis.
Whether you decide to use a service or check reviews manually, your online reputation is important. Keep your monitoring up-to-date and make sure to respond to keep past and future customers happy!
Kelly AyresKelly is a freelance SEO consultant based out of Washington D.C. She has worked for Philadelphia marketing agencies and writes for several lifestyle sites.