The Public Relations Blog

Handling that first negative online article 

As much as you believe your company won’t be affected by negative articles and reviews ranking in an online search, at some point, it will happen – and it can have a serious impact on your company. 

There are many places where consumers can leave negative reviews that can rank on page one when a prospective consumer uses Google to search for your company. That first negative review or even a new negative review can leave you and your company reeling and unsure of your next steps. It is important to understand how your company’s online reputation can change with a negative review. 

ReviewMaxer improves funnel layout and design options

ReviewMaxer, Axia Public Relations’ online review management software that monitors, collects, and promotes online reviews, now offers additional layout options for the review funnel function. The new design, page header, and brand color options help companies further customize their review funnels.

How to keep your company from making reputation-ruining mistakes

Social media is the most accessible tool customers have to learn about your company and become familiar with your brand. It’s also incredibly impactful in helping – or hurting – your company’s reputation.

Why customer reviews on social media are more important than ever

Today, almost everyone has a Facebook account. For companies, this means huge opportunities to connect with audiences, promote products and services, and gain reviews. Facebook’s review system has become a respected source for online reviews over the years. We’ve recently learned that Facebook may have a new rating system in the works that could change the way it calculates review scores. Here’s what we know.

As a public relations firm dedicated to helping companies manage crisis communications, improve their reputations, and manage online reviews, it often surprises us how many of our prospective clients don’t understand the differences between these things. We think it’s important to educate companies about these critical areas of PR. If you don’t know the difference between crisis communications, reputation management, and review management, you’re in luck, as we outline the three below.

3 ways to increase your positive feedback

This past weekend, my husband and I purchased a new car after spending most of the summer visiting various dealerships and test-driving more than a dozen cars. After finalizing the paperwork, our salesman asked us to write a review on Yelp about our experience. Giddy from that new-car smell, my first inclination was, “Sure! I’ll write one.” He then added a request for a five-star review. Were we happy about our car-buying experience? Absolutely. Was this sales team and dealership top-notch? Certainly. Did I appreciate the aggressive solicitation of a five-star review on Yelp? Most definitely not.

Most companies recognize the connection between customer reviews and SEO rankings, which has resulted in many requesting reviews rather than allowing them to populate organically. So how can your company earn customer feedback that savvy review platforms (and complex algorithms) will perceive as genuine rather than solicited?

Instead of fearing the online review site, use it to inspire foresight and increase profits

In some industries, the mere mention of the word Yelp is enough to cause widespread panic. Indeed, online reviews can make or break a business, and Yelp remains one of the most popular review sites. Nevertheless, you don’t need to fear it; you just have to use public relations to maneuver Yelp, and other online review sites like it, to your advantage.

Know the difference and get to work improving your online image

Maintaining a positive online image for your company is critical for success. How consumers perceive your brand on the internet determines whether they will be your customers. A positive online image also cultivates mutually beneficial relationships with other companies.

Many people use the terms online reputation and online reviews interchangeably. The two terms actually differ in many ways. Find out if it’s your company’s online reputation or online reviews that are stifling your business growth. 

Take what your customers are saying and use it for search engine success

Online reviews represent the best way for consumers to get honest opinions from real people about products and services they are interested in purchasing. You may also find them helpful as a way to keep your finger on the pulse of what people are saying about your company. What you may not know is that online reviews also provide an ideal search engine optimization (SEO) opportunity.

Customers are already talking about you; learn how to use it to your advantage

Today, online customer reviews can literally make or break a business. When reviews are managed correctly and the information is positive, you can reap benefits such as an increase in customer engagement and profits. If you get it wrong, your company will be flooded with negative search engine results for years as your reputation plummets.