Problem: Comments on Yelp, Google Local or RipoffReport.com is less to be desired.

“A happy customer tells one friend, an unhappy customer tells ten.”

Action Plan (notes taken from WebsiteMagazine.com, February 2011 issue on Page 22: Dealing with Findability Disaster:

1. Secure your company profiles on review sites.

• Yelp.com
• Places.Google.com
• Local.Yahoo.com
• CitySearch.com
• NOTE: Link to your Better Business Bureau rating, if possible.
• TIP: Add Customer Service hotline or link to a page that addresses customer issues.

2. Optimize your profiles, make sure your information is accurate and up-to-date.

3. Actively request positive feedback from happy customers.

• For each review – you can provide a small gift – a thank you card plus $5 Starbucks Gift Card
• If you have a business voicemail – you could say something like: “Please post a review on Yelp.com or Citysearch.com and receive a little gift for your appreciation! Thank you for your business and helping us to serve you and the community better.”

4. Setup and capture all brand names in social media portals.

• Alerts.Google.com
• Tweetbeep.com
• For the “Budget-minded businesses” consider” Radian6, Buzzlogic or Nielsen

5. Watch negative reviews drop down and happy customer reviews surrounded

• Kill negativity with kindness!