As a mentor for new West Linn online business owners, I am mindful of how search engine dynamics affect home based business owners with online stores.
There are two schools of thought about negative reviews: To respond or not to respond.
In an article in the Direct Selling News, author Don Sorenson very effectively explains why responding to negative reviews may increase the harm to your online reputation. I believe the points that Mr. Sorenson makes regarding negative reviews are important for every West Linn online seller.
I quote from Mr. Sorenson’s article:
‘When you see a negative review about your company the instinctive reaction is to post a response to set the record straight. I understand the human need to respond, but you have to consider Google’s point of view. Here’s why: Search engines rank various websites high for a few reasons, one of which is relevant content, especially when that content is updated on a regular basis.’
‘When you post a comment on a website, you are in effect giving it new content. And if you get into a back-and-forth discussion with someone on a review website about your company, Google thinks ‘Ah, there’s a lot about this company here, so we’ll rank this website high for searches on their company name.’
‘Now when someone does a search on your company, they are even more likely to see the negative review. You want to avoid that. In fact, you want the websites with negative comments to slip further down the Google rankings so they don’t appear on the first page or two of a search.’ Don Sorenson, “Protecting Your Company’s Online Reputation,” Direct Selling News, March 2011, http://www.directsellingnews.com/index.php/site/entries_archive_display/protecting_your_companys_online_reputation April 2, 2011
Of course, West Linn home business owners should respond to complaints by actual customers with legitimate problems. However, consider carefully whether your customer service efforts should take place in an online public forum.
Other social media experts believe it helps a company in the long run to respond to negative reviews. Here is a link to an article that supports this view: http://mackcollier.com/study-responding-to-negative/
I hope this helps West Linn online business owners understand the ramifications of responding to negative online reviews. For more information about owning your own home based business in West Linn, contact me today. I have helped hundreds of West Linn entrepreneurs live their dream of business ownership.
Chocolate team builder Mike Banning
http://www.mikebanningchocolate.com
503-534-3090 wellness_n_health@comcast.net
West Linn, Oregon 97068
Join Team X 88 today!
I am Mike Banning, and I am a West Linn-based Xocai artisan chocolate distributor. I joined Xocai in July 2008. I sell the industry-leading Xobiotic and X Power Squares online and in West Linn, West Linn, Wilsonville, and Clackamas. Our valued Portland customers recommend X Power Squares because X Power Squares has resolved chronic inflammation problems for both of us, and provided a steady stream of income.
Team X 88 is also a fantastic Xobiotic home-based business in the Portland area. Oregon entrepreneurs can supplement their income by cashing in on a high-demand Oregon healthy artisan chocolate market. To learn more about Team X 88, visit http://www.mikebanningchocolate.com.
Call me at 503-534-3090 to own your own Xobiotic business in West Linn, West Linn, Wilsonville, or Clackamas.
