On February 18, fishbat, Inc., a social media agency,offers its comments to an article published on Business2Community explaining how a business can regulate their reputation online.

According to the Business2Community article, online searches are often the first thing individuals do when they want to find out more about a company. What is said or what results pop up first on a Google search can be critical in determining popular opinion of a business' reputation, says the article.

Setting up social media accounts gives a business leverage for reputation management because the sites linked to the social media accounts have a greater likelihood of showing up near the top of a search engine’s results, reports the article. Furthermore, since the sites are controlled by the business, the article explains that the commentary of the site will reflect what the business wants, allowing companies to defend themselves against bad press more easily. Making use of search engine optimization (SEO) tactics is another essential strategy to raise a business’ controlled outlets while burying others.

Active engagement and keeping tabs on what is said about one’s business are additional strategies the article recommends to give a business control over their own press. According to the article, if a business is in a position to engage a disgruntled customer and make an obvious effort to resolve a problem in a professional manner, other potential customers are more likely to think positively of the company and their attitude.

Justin Mass, Vice President of Customer Relations at the online marketing company fishbat, offers his feedback on reputation management. “One thing I can’t agree with more is the idea of actively engaging customers. If the company is seen as accessible and approachable, there is a real chance to promote a good image and solve problems more peaceably when troubles do arise. Even in the event that somebody is unsatisfied with a company, it goes a long way to demonstrate the business’ willingness to make things right with their consumer base.”

fishbat, Inc. is a full service online marketing firm. Through social media management, search engine optimization (SEO), web design, and public relations, fishbat strives as a marketing firm to raise awareness about your brand and strengthen your corporate image.