How To Establish A Positive Brand Reputation
Brand reputation is one of a company’s most important assets. But building a good brand reputation costs a lot of effort and it takes very little to ruin it all.
In the process of creating a positive brand reputation, it is necessary to work constantly to avoid, as far as possible, that a puncture can kill the balloon that has been so hard to inflate.
Building a positive brand reputation requires constant work and effort. Whether you are a small entrepreneur or a large multinational company, the work is the same, on the same scale. The work is the same, at scale. So, for both, the basic guidelines to follow are the same. Let’s get to know them.
1. Be yourself
A strong, positive brand reputation needs to be one-dimensional, have your own voice, and have a personal approach. A positive brand reputation is built on knowing who you are, what you bring to the table and how you want others to perceive you. This provides a consistent foundation capable of building customer loyalty, achieving credibility and delivering the message with clarity.
2. Be more interested in others
Letting people know that a brand cares about their problems and challenges is critical is a powerful connector. Sharing, serving and giving good, useful and relevant information to help solve problems takes a lot of work, but it provides a very positive brand image.
3. Know your customers and target market
Knowing your customers and followers and, in general, your target market, will allow you to offer them what they need. Offering solutions to your audience’s problems shows that your brand is committed to them. Obviously, you’re not going to be able to meet them one on one, unless — and you can’t always do it — you have a small local business. But that’s no excuse not to listen to your customers, encourage conversation to get to know them and act accordingly.
4. Collaborate with people
One of the most effective ways to build trust and enhance reputation is through collaboration. There are many ways to do this. The important thing is to find the collaboration that creates the most impact and is truly useful.
5. Keep both anger and humor under control.
A touch of humor is always welcome, but it can give an excessively unserious image if it is abused and, moreover, risks hurting individuals and groups. On the other hand, it is also important to control reactions and anger when they arise. It is necessary to give a balanced and appropriate image.
6. Knowing how to give and receive
A positive brand reputation is built by giving others what they need, as we have seen, but you must know how to receive what others make available to the brand.
There are some useful ways of being close to and involved with society, such as accepting invitations (events, charity or cultural events, interviews, blog and magazine contributions, etc.), accepting free contributions or listening to constructive opinions, as well as helping in other ways.
7. Provide solutions, options and answers
How is the company that offers solutions to the problems of its customers and target audience? The one that explains the different options that can be found. Also the one that answers openly to the questions of its public. And finally, the one that is strong and confident and manages to attract attention.
8. Stay connected
Keep an eye on your reputation. The Internet is in charge today. There are many tools to know what people are saying about you. Use them, because they will allow you to deal with possible reputation crises. There are also many social networking applications that will allow you to keep a close watch, both to understand your customers’ needs and to solve their doubts and deal with their complaints.
Making customers happy by delivering an exceptional experience says a lot about what a brand is really like.
Remember that, as Warren Buffet warned: ‘’It takes 20 years to build a reputation, and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about it, you must do things differently.’’
