The Distinction between Online Reputation Management and Search Engine Optimization

Online reputation management (ORM) has a broader application case, not only using search engine optimization (SEO) tactics, but also social media, blogging or review sites. Managing the online presence is an on-going process. The goal of online reputation management is also slightly different from that of search engine optimization. ORM efforts are directed towards moving negative content as low as possible in search results and elevate the positive one on the first page. At the same time SEO is targeted towards improving your ranking in search results of your website or page.

ORM or SEO: What type of strategy does your company need?

In order to ease your decision process, check the following:

• Look up your company’s name on Google.
• Where does it appear?
• Does your company’s web presence appear among the first page results?
• Is there negative information anywhere you can see?
• Try the search query for your employees as well.

In case you see anything negative, then you should do something about your online presence; either actively self-manage or hire a company specialized in online reputation management. The longer you delay this, the more clicks and attention the negative posts will get. Furthermore people will react more adversely to negative feedback rather than trust positive ones. Negative reviews get more credibility than positive reviews.

However if you don’t find anything negative, then it’s great news! You are probably ahead of the competition already. You can improve the SEO for your online presence. This includes your website, social media and other marketing efforts like blogging.

As an alternative you can take a pro-active approach and collaborate with an experience online reputation management company to make sure your online presence stays impeccable. Specialists will maintain a positive image for your brand and will quickly deal with a negative feedback. This way your team can concentrate on delivering the best product or service possible.

The third option is to do both and is probably the best option. In addition to working on your company’s SEO and assisting with the development of a positive online presence, a good online reputation management company will monitor your image. It will offer you the security and peace of mind that your business is accurately depicted on the internet and that a positive effect will be generated as a consequence.