Online Review Management is a marketing strategy that maintains a school’s digital reputation. It works towards social media management, SEO, business listings, review management and paid search. This helps it to stay relevant and competitive in on overcrowded online market. Within this article, we will discuss the three ways to implement such a scheme for your school.
A 3 step guide to online review management for schools
- Be responsive
- Create consistency
- Utilise online services
Read on to find out how to do this.
Be Responsive
With reviews everywhere on the internet, it is more important than ever to keep a tab on what people are saying about your school. These opinions can have a large impact on prospects. A recent survey by BrightLocal found that 91% of people regularly or occasionally read online reviews, and 84% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. This demonstrates the amount power parents on social media platforms and online forums such as Mumsnet can have on the reputation of your school.
To successfully manage online reviews, you have to be receptive and create thoughtful responses. If the comments are positive, take the time to thank the parents for their feedback. If they edge onto the negative side, remember that these comments are there to help you understand what you can do to improve. Reply swiftly and clearly address the problems aired. 44.6% of consumers are more likely to visit a business if the owner responds to reviews so it is vital you do so. (ReviewTrackers Online Review Survey).
Create Consistency
Business listings are one of the main reasons people google a company or school. Four out of five consumers in a recent survey said that they use search engines to find out information such as addresses, business hours, reception phone numbers and directions. To maintain a professional online appearance, these details should remain consistent.
Remember to keep track of your business listings across all online platforms. This includes your school website, social media profiles, and online third parties. Look out for any outdated details and remember to alter them whenever there is a change in your operation.
Consistent business listings can also boost your search engine ranking. Accurate data is an important factor for getting to the top of Google search results. When the information about your school is correct, it is therefore more likely to appear on parents’ screens.
Utilise Online Services
The problem with the internet is that it is just so big. It can feel overwhelming to try and manage the reputation of your school across all platforms. Even if you are constantly checking your social media, new review sites are always popping up online and creating more work for you to do.
If the challenge proves to much for your in-house team to manage by themselves, consider utilising an online service. There are plenty of products on the web that can help your digital reputation thrive such as Reputology or Igniyte.
If you would like more professional tips on marketing your schools do get in touch with the Digithrive For School’s team who are always happy to help. contact us here