NEWS FROM THE EDGE

In today’s digital world, a small business’s reputation can be made—or destroyed—online. Whether it’s a glowing review or a scathing comment, the internet is the first place most customers go to form an opinion about a company. And for small businesses, managing that online reputation is crucial.

Why Online Reputation Matters

A business’s online reputation is not just about customer reviews. It extends to social media presence, how the company responds to feedback, data breaches, and even the visibility of its brand. Negative online attention can lead to loss of revenue, decreased customer trust, and even legal problems. In fact, a study showed that 90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business. That means one bad review could drive away a significant chunk of potential customers.

Here are five practical steps a small business can take to safeguard its online reputation.

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