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In online gaming – and any other business, little is more important to a company than their reputation. It drives sales, brings in new customers, and allows a business to flourish.
The problem is that many businesses make several mistakes while trying to build their reputation. These mistakes sabotage their efforts, and, in many instances, lead to a reputation that is far worse than the one their company had when they began their public PR efforts.
Preventing your company from acquiring negative reputation can be as simple as avoiding some of the more common mistakes and assumptions that are commonly made during reputation building. Let's examine some of the more common things to avoid.
1. Paying for Positive Reviews of Products and Services
The first thing that some businesses will do is to purchase paid reviews of their goods and services. It's a tempting idea, as it can create momentum where there is none for a brand. The problem is that, despite how hard you or someone else tries, those reviews will always ultimately look fake. If a good and a review don't line up, or there is a stark contrast between people whom hate and whom love a product, then people looking for reviews will generally be able to pick that out. When they do, they'll discover that your company is more worried about appearances rather than creating an amazing item that fulfills their needs. This leads to bad reputation.
2. Betraying Ethics
People want to purchase from companies that have the best interest of their customers in mind. While the best way to do this is through your goods or services, developing core values for your business will reinforce positive attributes concerning your company. 3. Astroturfing
Similar to the first point addressed in this post, astroturfing is the term used to describe when a company makes multiple accounts whose sole purpose is to leave positive feedback or to attack negative reviews. This is an incredibly risky practice that puts your business's reputation at risk. It also defeats the entire purpose of having customers leave reviews concerning the things you offer. While this tactic might be tempting to use, it's best that you avoid it completely.
4.Ignoring Your Customers
The biggest mistake that any company could ever make when building their reputation is to ignore their customers. You'll make mad people infuriated, which will ultimately result in them lashing back against your company. Address even the most negative of reviews. Take it as constructive criticism, and remember that the customer is always right even when they're wrong.
Ronn Torossian is a Crisis Communications expert and founder of 5W Public Relations in NYC. He is also a Special Contributor to the Gambling911.com website.
