Online perceptions can make or break a business today. It’s no longer just about in-person customer service and oil changes that go above and beyond. It’s about clicks, engagement, and online reviews that shape how people perceive your auto repair business.
If you don’t know what your online reputation is, it’s time to find out. Future customers are using the internet to find auto repair services, and if they see negative information about your shop online, it will significantly impact your new customer business.
The good news is that monitoring your online brand reputation is easy. We’ll explore three straightforward steps to monitor your brand reputation online.
3 Easy Steps to Check On Your Brand Reputation
In our ultra-connected world, one person’s opinion about your business can spread like wildfire on the internet. Because your brand reputation can change in an instant, you need to be checking on your online reputation regularly. Here’s how.
1. Monitor Your Socials
Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with current and potential customers, answering inquiries, and building a positive reputation. However, if you neglect your accounts, it can quickly turn against you. Unhappy customers can leave negative comments, and unanswered inquiries make your business look bad.
You should be actively monitoring all of your social media channels regularly. Learn how to check your posted content and the mentions, likes, and private messages connected to your auto business. Respond to all inquiries as promptly as possible, and keep your interactions professional, whether you are responding to positive or negative interactions. By engaging with your social media audience professionally and respectfully, you can demonstrate that your auto repair business is responsive and trustworthy.
2. Google Yourself
Customers will see a lot of information about your business if they search for your online. You need to know what they are seeing. Take a few minutes to search for your business online, so you know what customers see about you. Search not only for your business name but variations such as the owner’s name and any variations of the business name customers might look for online. Look through the results and see what comes up, and be sure to check beyond the first page of the search results to ensure nothing is slowly creeping up the page ranking that could surprise you later on.
Searching for your business allows you to ensure no harmful or untrue information appears in the search results. If there is, you can take steps to address it or get it removed. If you can’t remove it, you can use Search Engine Optimization and new content to push negative entries down the search results page. These periodic self-searches are also an excellent time to check that your listings in local directories and your Google Business Profile have the correct information, such as address, hours, and telephone numbers.
3. Review Your Reviews
Word-of-mouth advertising has always been the best way to bring new customers into your shop. People trust the word of their friends and family and are much more likely to use a service they recommend. But today, word-of-mouth advertising is happening online. Online reviews have immense power to influence potential customers to use your shop. Positive reviews can drive more new business, while negative reviews can leave potential auto repair customers looking at the competition.
Make time to review your new business reviews regularly. Look at all the major platforms, including Google, Yelp, and industry-specific review sites. If you see any negative reviews, respond with professionalism and be willing to work with the customer to resolve their issues. Potential customers will like to see that you take concerns seriously and are eager to help rectify a problem. If you can turn a negative review into a positive interaction, it can be a big win for your brand.
Be sure you celebrate your positive reviews, too! Thank customers for their positive reviews and share their words on social media. Those positive words can reinforce your position as a trustworthy auto repair shop and show potential customers you are a business they can rely on for auto care.
How Often Should You Check Your Brand Reputation?
Maintaining your brand reputation isn’t a one-and-done job. It requires ongoing effort.
To stay on top of things, follow the above steps at least once a week. A weekly check should help you stay engaged with reviews and give you time to respond to any issues.
In addition to weekly checkups, you may need to check on your brand reputation in exceptional circumstances. This might include a big marketing campaign, a viral negative review, or when your business has been in the media for some reason. Quick responses during these unique circumstances can go a long way to protecting your good reputation.
The most important thing is to be consistent with your brand reputation management. Consistency will allow you to stay on top of things and show your customers that you are engaged and responsive to their needs. It’s a good way to create a positive, trustworthy, and resilient online brand reputation.
Need Help With Your Online Reputation?
Managing your online brand reputation is an essential part of business ownership today. But it can be challenging for an overwhelmed business owner to fit brand reputation checks into their schedule or know what to do when a negative review impacts their business. But we can help.
Talk to our team if you need help monitoring or building your brand reputation online. We can help you maintain a positive online reputation so you can focus on what you do best: delivering exceptional auto repair services.
Your brand’s reputation is a valuable asset to your business. Let us help you proactively shape how your business appears online. Learn more about our services and how we work with auto repair businesses like yours to create great brand reputations and attract more loyal customers. Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation and discover our brand reputation services.
