7 proactive steps to safeguard your online reputation

Just as a computer owner might install anti-virus software to protect against attacks, organizations should have an authentic, vigilant digital presence to protect against threats that require online reputation management repair.

These seven proactive steps will help you build a positive presence and mitigate the adverse effects of negative links:

1. Google your website. Google your organization’s name and negative keywords associated with it to gauge the perception of your online image. Reputation management and digital marketing experts concur that Google’s algorithm often favors negative coverage, and even mugshots, which can put any individual or company at a severe disadvantage. Negative content—like a rogue employee’s unwise social media post or fallout from a PR crisis—can damage a company’s reputation and its ability to attract new clients.

2. Stay on top of alert notifications. Use keyword monitoring tools to notify you of any activity or information posted about your organization. Google Alerts, a free service, will send an email notification when your organization’s name or news about key employees appears online.