The old adage used to be that if someone likes your business, they’ll tell a friend, but if they don’t, they’ll tell four friends. Today, however, this has changed dramatically. With the average Facebook user having 200 friends, a negative post about your service can reach far beyond just a few people.

This makes it crucial to have a system in place for managing and monitoring your reputation. Here are six essential tips to help you effectively manage your martial arts school’s reputation:

  1. Audit Directory Listings

    Don’t assume that all of your school’s listings in legal and business directories are accurate. Regularly audit these directories to ensure that your information is correct. Profiles should instill confidence and trust in potential students.

  2. Secure Your Domains

    Protect your name and office name by securing relevant domain names. This starts with acquiring your personal name and school name as domain names, such as Name.com.

  3. Optimize Your Listings

    Enhance all of your listings in legal and business directories with these optimization strategies:

    • Label images with relevant keywords.
    • Write keyword-rich descriptions.
    • Include as many videos and images as the platform allows.
    • Add links to these directories on your website and in your emails, encouraging students to leave positive reviews.
    • If possible, create separate profiles for different locations.

  4. Monitor 24/7

    Set up Google Alerts for your name, your school’s name, your top competitors, and your staff members. You can create these alerts at Google Alerts to stay updated on any mentions of your school.

  5. Be Responsive

    Quickly address negative and false reviews. Aim to resolve issues that may lead to review removal or modification. A prompt and professional response can mitigate damage to your reputation.

  6. Turn Negatives into Positives

    If you receive a negative review, handle it with care:

    • Keep your response ethical and professional.
    • Avoid disclosing confidential student or case information.
    • Keep your response brief and to the point; a lengthy reply can lend undue credibility to the negative review.
    • Use the situation as an opportunity to show that you are addressing the concern. Assure the reviewer that you are investigating or looking into the issue.
    • Invite the reviewer to contact you directly to discuss the matter further, emphasizing confidentiality.
    • Always respond to reviews. Ignoring them can damage your professional image and suggest indifference.
    • Ensure that your response is positive or neutral, never negative or confrontational.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage your martial arts school’s reputation and turn potential pitfalls into opportunities for demonstrating your commitment to quality and customer care.