This article was originally published by Sameer Somal on the Business 2 Community.

The Digital Revolution explains the transformation from electronic, mechanical, and analog (technology) to digital technology. Every day people are empowered with unfiltered information and global communication access from a device that fits comfortably in the palm of their hand. Never before have consumers had so much influence and power at their fingertips.

The emergence of social media allows negative comments to be shared and circulated among large numbers of internet users. Consumer confidence depends on positive press. Businesses must take proactive measures to build a positive brand identity; they must also prevent and address negative or defamatory content.

Google and other Search Engines have made it easy to search for anything online. The viability of business depends on its online reputation. Online Reputation Management finds its significance in two major categories. The first is proactive, which includes positioning and monitoring a positive brand Proactive ORM requires an understanding of target markets, creating digital assets, and engaging new & prospective clients across both traditional & digital channels. A positive digital reputation supports both attracting new clients and retaining existing ones, while also providing a defense against future reputation challenges. The second category is a reactive response to mitigate information that tarnishes the image of an individual or a business entity. Reactive ORM mitigates the impact of negative links, harmful reviews, or erroneous content.

Reputations are everything

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” -Warren Buffett
Today, all organizations, from large conglomerates to small businesses, are adapting how they market and implement the most effective digital strategies. Today, one negative image, review, or news article shared online can destroy a brand image online in minutes. It is imperative to respond immediately to negative customer feedback, customize individual communication and resolve the grievances to curb negative.

Efficient use of ORM tools like SEO (Search Engine Optimization) can help companies build their reputations while also managing a sustainable digital footprint. Tools for a successful SEO strategy include social media updates, content management, keywords, link building, an integrated User Interface (UI) and an effective User Experience (UX) that prompt a call to action.

There are a handful of service providers who offer brand preservation, global PR and reputation restoration. Selecting an effective ORM firm is a critical decision when building or repairing damaged online reputations.

Blue Ocean Global Technology, a leading online reputation management firm based in New York, suggests the following three-step approach for managing online reputation:

Build: Noah’s rule – “Predicting rain doesn’t count; building arks does.” Build a strong online reputation through SEO and digital marketing resources. It is important to manage risk by safeguarding your business & clients from negative press. A strong digital web presence mitigates the impact of negative content and drives sustainable revenue.

Monitor: Once positive profiles for both businesses and individuals attain top ranking on Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs), you can transition your ORM strategy from the Build stage to the Monitor stage. Partner with a firm that actively monitors your online reputation and maintains preferred search rankings. Develop a plan for regular promotion, posting updates and sharing new content. Digital content may include blogs, photos, videos, infographics, interviews, social media profiles, interviews, and recognition.

Repair: When a reputation is damaged, an expert team is required to assess and neutralize the negative content immediately. For example, when negative posts from a dissatisfied customer, ex-employee or legal matter affect a business or individual’s online reputation. Removing defamatory content from internet search results is Blue Ocean Global Technology’s most desired outcome. A strong positive digital presence will provide the essential foundation for suppressing harmful links. Addressing negative content from reputable sources, such as national media outlets or government websites, requires a strong technical team with ORM expertise

Understanding current trends and market conditions reinforce the notion that there is no existence without a stellar online reputation.