What to do when you can’t remove bad reviews online

A bad review can have a devastating impact on your business reputation.

So, how can you protect yourself and your business from bad reviews?

What if you can’t remove bad reviews?

First of all, take heart.

Bad reviews happen to everyone and every business no matter how hard you try to please everyone.

In many cases, you know exactly who the customer is, and the situation they’re dealing with.

Sometimes this customer may be unreasonable, highly emotional, unaccountable for their part in the situation- or worse- all three.

Here are 7 ways to deal with a bad review. 

  1. DO NOT ignore the review. You must take proactive steps to address the bad review.
  2. Avoid the temptation to argue or blame your customer.
  3. In the same forum for review- publicly acknowledge how they’re feeling and that they’re obviously upset.
  4. Invite them to contact you directly so you can make it right.
  5. Reiterate online exactly what you did or are willing to do to make it right.
  6. Contact them directly and ask them to remove the bad review.
  7. Solicit positive reviews until you have more good than bad.

By addressing the review that just wont go away you’re being accountable, transparent and honest. All traits that anyone reading reviews of your business will appreciate.

 

 

 

Laurel Lindsay

Laurel Lindsay

President & Founder at The New Media Group
Laurel Stark née Lindsay has helped thousands of businesses get better results from their online marketing since she began her career as a web marketer in 2003. As a speaker, author and CEO of The New Media Group, she’s been featured on CNN, Entrepreneur.com, CTV and ShawTV.
Laurel Lindsay
Laurel Lindsay
Laurel Lindsay