In our previous blog, “Your Online Reputation and Website” we discussed the importance of maintaining a good online reputation and how your website plays into this. Having an updated, accurate website is important. The next step in cleaning up your online reputation is monitoring review sites and listing.
Review sites and listings
In Step 2, “What Are People Saying About You Online”, we cover clicking through links that are associated with you and your company. This gives you a good idea of what is out there about you. This next step is important to begin building and controlling your online reputation.
First, claim all the sites (review sites and other listings). This process is usually self explanatory with a button or link that says something like “is this you?” or “claim this site”.
Next, update your profile with a good headshot and the correct information (bio, practice areas, etc.). Fill the profiles out completely, it is a simple step that will help improve your rankings on each site.
Finally, ask your “close peers” for a review. I say this carefully because I have seen many people rush and ask a bunch of people, requesting positive reviews. I have also witnessed people reaching out to “acquaintances” who oblige the request with an “I endorse this attorney”, making them look desperate, and bad.
Ideally, if you are receiving 1-2 reviews monthly, this looks good for both people and to the review sites. If you come across as piling up reviews, they will not seem genuine and you will lose credibility instead of gaining it.
I also recommend that you lead with giving your close peers reviews before you request them. This showcases your willingness to give back and is just a good practice.
