The Power of Reputation in Business

The Importance of Reputation in Online Business

In the digital age, having a good reputation is crucial, especially for businesses operating online. The internet can be a challenging platform for businesses, particularly for those who are yet to make a name for themselves. Therefore, it is essential to have a website that provides prospective customers with information about your business and yourself. A brief introduction accompanied by a photo can make a significant difference.

Establishing Your Expertise Online

However, having a website is just the start. You also need to establish yourself as an expert in your field. There are several ways to achieve this, but the key is exposure. You need to get your name in front of people as an expert.

Some people resort to spamming, which is a mistake. While it might make you well-known, it often leads to a negative reputation as most people dislike spam emails. For instance, I receive daily emails about refinancing my home mortgage, and these are the last people I would consider doing business with.

Writing Articles and Publishing Newsletters

Writing articles is an effective way to establish your expertise. Publishers are always in need of fresh content and usually welcome submissions. A quick online search will lead you to publications suitable for your submissions. You can also submit your articles to websites that accept submissions. Many publishers visit these sites in search of content for their publications. A good starting point is Rozey Gean's site, where you can easily submit your articles.

Publishing your own newsletter can also help boost your reputation. It doesn't have to be lengthy or complex, but it should be published regularly. There are varying opinions on how often a newsletter should be published. Some believe that a monthly schedule is ineffective as people may forget who you are between publications. Others think that weekly is fine, while some, including myself, believe that the more exposure, the better.

Regardless of the frequency you choose, consistency is key. If you decide to publish weekly, pick a specific day and stick to it. If you won't be publishing in a given week, notify your subscribers in advance to avoid confusion.

Building a Subscriber Base

Building a subscriber base usually takes time. You should have a sign-up process on your website, either through a form or an email. A form is preferable as it is immediately identifiable as a subscription when received. If you opt for email, include 'subscribe' in the subject to avoid it being mistaken for spam. For instance, use something like mailto:bob@adv-marketing.com?subject=Subscribe - this will automatically insert the word "Subscribe" in the subject of the email.

Conclusion

In your journey to build your reputation, remember that people's memory is short, and new prospects are available every day. If you aim to succeed in online business, you must not only build a good reputation but also maintain visibility to your prospects on a regular and ongoing basis.