How to build a positive reputation

Let’s begin with the basics. 

What’s PR?

PR, also known as public relations, pertains to the public’s perception of a business or individual.  

The goal is to be perceived in a positive light, but businesses will inevitably experience hiccups along the way that can lead to low reputation scores, if appropriate steps are not taken.

The following can contribute to a low reputation score

• Poor customer service

• Unethical business practices

• Controversial statements

• Negative press

• Negative online comments and images

• Negative reviews

• Mishandling of crises

These hiccups are the result of poor planning and execution. 

Do NOT wait until one of these crises crosses your desk to work on your reputation.

A positive reputation requires nurturing, ahead of time

Think of your reputation score like a gas tank.

You wouldn’t wait until your vehicle ran out of gas to fill it up, right?

The same goes for public relations.

In this analogy, the gas is your positive PR.

It’s important to keep your tank full of positive sentiments so that when you reach a roadblock, you don't break down trying to navigate it.

An abundance of positive PR helps outweigh the bad

By establishing, early on, a foundation of trust and loyalty with your audience, people are more willing to see a mistake as a bump in the road, rather than a deal breaker— if the mistake is handled correctly.

If you don’t foster a positive relationship, early on, an error could result in loss of customers.

So how do you nurture those relationships?

The short answer is a strategic communications plan.

From social media to crisis communications, earned and paid media— how you communicate with your audience matters, and execution is key.

It’s important to hire a professional to develop and support communications strategies that will help build credibility.

Contact Coghill Communications TODAY to get started!