Online reputations a major concern for small businesses

Small business owners are becoming increasingly concerned about their online reputations and the potential negative impact of comments and coverage on social media channels such as twitter, Facebook and review sites, according to research by reputation management specialist, Igniyte. Bad reviews, malicious posts and negative social media comments are costing British companies an average of £46,815 each, the research finds. One in five say ‘firefighting’ is now the focus of their entire online strategy, ahead of gaining followers and sales, according to the study. Two thirds of respondents admit they don’t have the specialist skills to deal with the problem. Bad reviews, malicious comments and misjudged social media posts can all damage a firm’s digital reputation and commercial value. And dealing with negative online content is now the number one business concern for three quarters of UK firms. More than half of those quizzed (52%) reveal business had already suffered because of damaging posts.