{"id":9315,"date":"2022-02-15T17:20:08","date_gmt":"2022-02-15T09:20:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/?p=9315"},"modified":"2023-02-28T20:47:31","modified_gmt":"2023-02-28T12:47:31","slug":"bad-reputation-business-spiral-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/blog\/business-marketing\/bad-reputation-business-spiral-down\/","title":{"rendered":"Problem Solved: A Bad Reputation Will Spiral Down Your Business"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4><strong>&#8220;The only way is up.&#8221;<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">That\u2019s how it should be for a growing business and even those who have already made their own mark. But when one nasty review reaches hundreds and thousands of current and potential customers, everything else goes downhill. Recovery from a bad review that has already circulated, especially online, is extremely challenging, and what you do always has to be customer-centric, as they are the end-all, be-all of your business.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12972 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2022\/02\/man-talking-in-the-meeting.jpg\" alt=\"man-talking-in-the-meeting\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2022\/02\/man-talking-in-the-meeting.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2022\/02\/man-talking-in-the-meeting-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Photo by<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/jfR5wu2hMI0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Headway<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on Unsplash<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Research shows that up to 90% of consumers (Trustpilot) veer away from businesses or companies that they have heard bad reviews about. Whether it\u2019s something they have seen online or heard from their friends or relatives &#8211; what people say about your business is very important. Publicity has proven to be both good and bad, and of course, it\u2019s the good side that you would always want to be on.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It may sound impossible &#8211; attaining zero dissatisfied customers who can and will say something bad about their experience. There is no perfect product or service, and feedback helps you to improve your future ventures. Whether it\u2019s your packaging, presentation, or customer service that needs improvement, it\u2019s healthy to receive criticism. But controlling them and making sure it doesn\u2019t happen again in the future, that\u2019s something under your control.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">So, what are the factors that you can control?<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Problem:<\/b><b> Google Blacklist<\/b><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12974 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2022\/02\/man-using-laptop-drinking-coffee.jpg\" alt=\"man-using-laptop-drinking-coffee\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2022\/02\/man-using-laptop-drinking-coffee.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2022\/02\/man-using-laptop-drinking-coffee-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Photo by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/31OdWLEQ-78\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Firmbee.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on Unsplash<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With Google Chrome being the most used web browser worldwide (Tech Advisor), Google has powered web accessibility for both desktop and handheld devices. When a user looks up your niche, your website will either be at the bottom of the list or will not appear in search results at all. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This happens when Google detects that your website is unsafe for viewing. If your website is unsecured, your visitors may see one of these alerts:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cThe site ahead contains malware\u201d;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cThis site may harm your computer\u201d;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cThe site ahead contains harmful programs\u201d;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cThis page is trying to load scripts from unauthenticated sources\u201d.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once one of these alerts pops up when your website is being accessed, it is immediately tagged in the Google blacklist. When a visitor looks up your business niche, your website may either come up at the bottom of the list or not at all.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Solution: <\/b><b>Secure your SSL certificates<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Even before you get into the Google Blacklist, what you have to do is to make sure that your SSL certificates are up-to-date. When your website is accessed through a browser, the SSL is the one certifying that your website is secured and that the connection between your visitor\u2019s browser and your website is completely secured, as well. CLDY offers <a style=\"color: #f4662d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/support\/help\/what-is-autossl-by-cpanel\/\">AutoSSL via cPanel<\/a>, which automatically validates and renews your domain\u2019s SSL certificates.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Solution:<\/b> <b>Verify your website\u2019s authentication through Google Search Console<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you have reasons to believe that you may already be on the blacklist (reduced website visits over a certain period), then your task now is how to get out of it. <\/span><a style=\"color: #f4662d\" href=\"https:\/\/search.google.com\/search-console\/welcome\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Google Search Console<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> can help you verify if your domain is authenticated or not &#8211; which can lead to your website showing errors when someone tries to access it. If it shows a green alert saying \u201cownership verified\u201d, you\u2019re all set. But if it shows a red alert with the text \u201cownership verification field\u201d, the Google Search Console will provide the reason for the failed authentication and will give you the fix so you can correct this from your end.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Problem:<\/b><b> Lowered website traffic and social media interactions<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As an eCommerce enthusiast, you must make it a point to monitor your website visits and your social media following. In a world of (almost 100%) online transactions and dealings, it is crucial to be watchful of how your online presence is doing on a regular basis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Solution: <\/b><b>Address your customer\u2019s concerns or feedback as they are given<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It helps to have a contact form set up on your page so your website visitors can drop you a message without having to leave your website. If you are using WordPress, you can use the <a style=\"color: #f4662d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/support\/help\/how-to-install-contact-form-7-plugin-in-wordpress\/\">Contact Form 7 plugin<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Set realistic expectations on a turnaround time &#8211; and make sure to follow through. If you have maintained a routine of clearing your messages within the day, then great! For instances when you may be out of touch for a while, set your turnaround time of 24 or 48 hours (as needed), so that you also don\u2019t overwork yourself and divert your focus to simply answering customer queries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What you want to prevent is for your customers to think you have failed to get back to them (or even forget that they inquired with you at all), which may affect both current and potential sales.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Solution: <\/b><b>Manage your social media accounts effectively<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In relation to what is stated above, make sure to check your social media accounts, as well. Every comment and message that your customers and visitors leave on your profile matter. Respond accordingly, as much as possible, in the same manner. If they left you a comment, answer in the same way so they know that you are actively checking your accounts. Keep your notifications on so you are always alert for any activity that occurs on your pages.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Problem:<\/b><b> Bad review crisis<\/b><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12976 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2022\/02\/black-white-printed-textile.jpg\" alt=\"black-white-printed-textile\" width=\"640\" height=\"428\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2022\/02\/black-white-printed-textile.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2022\/02\/black-white-printed-textile-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Photo by<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/vVSleEYPSGY\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jon Tyson<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on Unsplash<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Now, this is for instances when it really can\u2019t be helped. While negative reviews are your opportunity to make your business better, note that one single review could leave a permanent mark.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Solution: Routinely collect positive reviews from satisfied customers<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In today\u2019s market, online transactions are mostly the go-to for every consumer. On some platforms, the customer is asked to leave a star rating to determine how they liked the service and\/or the product. The customers would also be asked to leave some comments. Encourage your satisfied customers to leave generous reviews on the products they have tried out. By showing that you value their opinion, it goes to show that you value them as a customer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Note that<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">when you get one (1) bad review, you need at least twelve positive reviews to \u201ccover\u201d that (Commpro). But if you already have massive good reviews, then one negative review shouldn\u2019t hurt as much. Take reviews from customers who you know you have satisfied fully (repeat customers, patrons who have been with you and stayed with you for some time).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here are some other tips for you to keep your business reputation up:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Be proactive in making your business known<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For growing businesses, it may take twice the effort to get noticed by the public. Press releases are essential so media outlets will be the ones to get the word out for you, instead of you doing it on your own. Whether it be your soft opening, a formal launch, or a new product out in the market, having a press release to kickstart the marketing is a very good way to go.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Have a backup plan ready <\/b><b>(Always)<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When a customer leaves a bad review, there is always one element that they didn\u2019t like. Get to the root of it. Get in touch with the customer so you can make it up to them by assuring them that their feedback has been heard, and you want to hear from them so you can make your business better. If need be, you can always send them a free sample or a discount coupon on their next purchase. These small things keep your business up not only with this particular customer but for other potential customers in this person\u2019s network.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Proactively fighting for your brand and your reputation is something that you will need to keep an eye out for as a growing business. Your name, your products, and your services are always on the line when you release your business on the market. What\u2019s important is you have your eyes peeled for these problems so you can be ready for whatever happens.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;The only way is up.&#8221; That\u2019s how it should be for a growing business and even those who have already made their own mark. But when one nasty review reaches hundreds and thousands of current and potential customers, everything else goes downhill. Recovery from a bad review that has already circulated, especially online, is extremely [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":12977,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9315","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-marketing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9315","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9315"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9315\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19271,"href":"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9315\/revisions\/19271"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12977"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9315"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9315"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cldy.com\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9315"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}