Why did your website traffic drop off? Was it the content of your results which changed or was it a search algorithm change? It is nightmare circumstances when, all of a sudden, you discover that you are ranking for negative search phrases associated with your brand name, such as “scam,’ or “fraud.” Prospective clients are fleeing. Negative reviews will ward consumers off like a leaking septic tank parked directly in front of a storefront. You are a legit establishment. You have been in business for a long time, and you offer excellent work. Somehow, however, the internet stamped a scarlet letter upon your brand and it will not go away. Unfortunately, you might never have the ability to fully remove negative content about your brand online, yet you might have the ability to mitigate the damage. However, before you can, you must know which queries individuals are entering to discover the bad stuff. You can then do something about it.
First, Search Your Company’s Basic Search Phrases
You already have knowledge of your brand name, it is the obvious place to start; therefore, search that first.
Browse Google Analytics for Search Phrases
Then, dig into Google Analytics or an additional analytics dashboards upon your website. It’ll show you which search phrases individuals actually have discovered your website with. Keep in mind though, they’ll just display the search terms which led individuals to your page. It will not display the negative phrases which drove individuals to competitor websites.
Use Associated Searches for Extra Search Phrases
After conducting a basic branded search, look at the “related searches” section at the bottom of the search results, and scroll down. It is not always there; however, as Related Searches is it’ll shows which other phrases individuals are using to discover your business.
Use Bing and Google Because Results Vary
Browse those phrases in both Bing and Google to check out what other people see. As you discover something negative, whether it is a less-than-delightful opinion by a blogger, a review site, or attack site, you should document the web address. All search phrases uncovered while conducting online reputation management reveals your very own search results, and associated results. From this place, it’s possible to see what your prospective clients/customers are seeing.
Use Twitter and Facebook Because Google Does Not See Everything
Not every search result shows up in Bing and Google, if pages are public on Facebook and Twitter, it’s possible to also search these.
What can you Do Next?
If you discover no bad reviews, negative search results, or dicey articles, the search traffic dip might not have been because of a problem with the reputation of your brand, it might’ve been a change in algorithm. To look at major changes within search algorithms browse this site as you have the Google Analytics account open. Then, compare the “temperature” with all sudden dips to check if there’s a correlation. As you have knowledge of what individuals actually are seeing, and you set up reputation monitoring, your list of potential problem sites will assist you in breaking down what things may be promoted, suppressed, or removed.
For more details on online reputation management contact Soaring Away at (910) 471-5030.
