Industry experts are reminding business owners of the importance of monitoring their brand online. Web Boom Media Business Development Manager, Peter Fien said the rise of local business directories, blogs and forums means most salons are likely to be reviewed online, regardless of whether or not its owners are aware.
“A few years ago, a dissatisfied customer would share a bad experience with three or more friends. With the reach of the internet today, poor reviews, referrals and complaints are read far and wide.”
Mr Fien said it was vital for business owners to monitor their online reputation and use these forums to their advantage. “Online reputation management is about boosting, tracking and maintaining your reputation online. Usually, this boils down to asking your customers to rate your business on different websites or online directories and/or leave feedback that other customers can read.”
Mr Fien said it was important to note that not all negative feedback is necessarily bad for a business depending on how it is dealt with. “Studies show that effectively dealing with customer complaints actually strengthens brand loyalty.”
Fien encouraged business owners to consider engaging an external expert to manage their online capabilities. “We often find that business owners already have their hands full and often don’t know where to start with their online activities.”
Specialising in the hair and beauty industry, Web Boom Media offer packages including reputation management, search engine optimisation, Google Ad Words, Google Place Page Management and much more. The company is also the preferred partner of Shortcuts Software.
Web Boom Media is offering a FREE, 30 day trial of their Basic Package which includes reputation monitoring, Google Places and Map setup, local directory listings, ads optimised for mobiles, Ad Words campaign set up, phone and email support and much more. For more information phone 07 3117 0450 or visit www.webboommedia.com.au