If you’re starting to feel a little nervous that your online reputation may be suffering, you’re not alone. After all, anyone who has been online long enough can attest to the fact that no one is immune to the wrath of Google, especially when it comes to search engine results and the filtering process known as search engine optimization (SEO). In order to combat any negative reviews and comments being posted about your business or personal brand online, you need to learn more about SEO reputation management strategies.
Disavow Links
A few years ago, Google released a document called How To Remove Yourself From Bad Search Results. One of those options they mentioned was to Disavow links that point to pages you don’t want shown in search results. Basically, if you’ve got a lot of spammy backlinks pointing at your site, you can use Google’s Disavow tool. The idea is basically that when someone types in a bad search query for Domain Name, it might be leading them to a webpage on one of these bad backlinks and then all their friends start seeing that Domain Name as spam.
Optimize Google My Business Profile
When you want your business to rank in local search results, it’s essential that Google knows who you are and where you are located. If you don’t already have a Google My Business listing set up, register now (it’s free). Be sure to use all of the information that they require when filling out your listing and make sure that any images include both your logo and photos of employees.
Get Ahead of Negative Reviews
One of the top strategies for reputational protection is staying on top of negative reviews. You can proactively respond or request removal, or in some cases you may not need to do anything at all. If possible, try and leave positive reviews on sites where there are negative ones (this is known as reputation repair). However, when it comes to monitoring and responding, it’s vital that you follow these best practices.
Do’s and Don’ts of Responding to Reviews
Once you’ve seen some negative reviews and you decide it’s time to address them, here are some things to keep in mind. First, never respond directly on a review site. If you want to reply, take it somewhere private so that everyone can see your response. Second, be calm and collected in your response; using profanity or responding with anger will only make things worse. Third, realize that sometimes bad reviews are justified.
Post Positive Reviews About Yourself
One way to proactively manage your SEO reputation is by contributing positive reviews about yourself (yep, you read that right). Find a forum in which you are already active, and pose as someone who’s interested in what you have to offer. If there aren’t many discussions or posts in forums or groups regarding you or your business, post a link back to one of your most valuable assets—be it a product review, press release, downloadable resource sheet or anything else. It doesn’t matter if anyone responds; what matters is that it shows up under comments. Also be sure and include links back to several of these pieces of content when they appear on any social media platform or video platform.
What NOT To Do On Social Media
There are some actions you can take on social media that will turn a bad situation into a catastrophic one. Just because something can be done, doesn’t mean it should be done. Be aware of what is and isn’t acceptable in today’s social media world. Let’s explore some things you shouldn’t do on social media if you want to get along and succeed. Here are 5 ways NOT to ruin your SEO reputation management. 1) Don’t spam: Spamming someone else’s Twitter account or Facebook page may seem like a harmless joke or way to promote yourself – but there is nothing funny about spamming, especially when it comes from an individual who claims they know SEO best. The truth is that most people consider spamming disrespectful and will instantly dislike anyone who has even attempted to market themselves using unethical means such as these.
Do’s and Don’ts Of Responding To Critics
Before you fire back at a critic, keep in mind that most critics have no stake in your business. They can say whatever they want without having to worry about making a customer angry or losing money. As you reply, take that into consideration and choose your words carefully. This is particularly important if you’re going to air any dirty laundry (as long as it’s not defamatory). Don’t create problems for yourself; instead, focus on correcting inaccurate information and ensuring customers know what kind of business they’re dealing with. Here are some other tips for responding to criticism
