As Internet-based marketing continues to boom, a newer field is growing along with it: online reputation management.
That's good news for companies like Minneapolis-based
Internet Exposure, a web design and development firm that specializes in helping companies keep track of what's being said online, and advises them on ways to increase positive buzz.
The firm added two new people within the last month, and is likely to bring on more in the year ahead if demand continues as expected.
"In the last five years, the issue of a company's online reputation has come up more and more," says Internet Exposure CEO Jeff Hahn. "Almost every new business meeting I have covers social media, and although it's more important to certain clients, all of them need to address it in some way."
Companies of any size, particularly those run by multi-hat-wearing entrepreneurs, can find it daunting to build a good reputation online through sites like
Facebook,
Twitter, and
Google Plus. They might have an executive blog or a business website, but often they struggle with how to create true influence through social media.
Internet Exposure assists them by using search tools to see what's being said about the business, and then helping executives to use social media more effectively to create a positive image. If a company has negative reviews or feedback online, the firm has tactics that can help to push the comments lower in search results, and also works to address the feedback directly.
Hahn expects to see more interest in the tactics in the future, and as a result, Internet Exposure should see more growth as well. He says, "The Internet is still a bit in the 'Wild West' phase. So, we're excited to help people make these online tools work for them, instead of against them."
Source: Jeff Hahn, Internet Exposure
Writer: Elizabeth Millard