We have slowly become a soccer family over the past few years. It’s been a fascinating experience being on the sidelines. We’ve watched this group of young kids go from clumping around the ball, to eventually spreading out and working together. Now, they’ve got some strategies guiding their movements. One benefit of those early Saturday games, is the chance for my mind to wander a bit. It got me thinking about managing your online reviews like you’re playing a soccer match.

5 Ways to Manage Your Online Reviews Like a Soccer Match

1. Take advantage of kick-off to set the tone

Your initial online reviews can really set the tone for your whole game. First, make sure you respond in a way that boosts your image, instead of getting into long back-and-forths, or flame wars. You can stay professional while addressing any issues. We created PostBack with pre-populated options so businesses can easily respond to online reviews. Ultimately, you stay professional while keeping your legal team happy.

2. Use your midfielders well

Consider your social media managers as your midfielders. These roles are playing both offense and defense. They set the pace and are the connectors. Your social media midfielders are the bridge between your customer service and your business/brand. Make sure they have had the right training for the most impact by using our PostieDex guide to customer types. The PostieDex can help prepare your midfielders so they can navigate interactions with all types of customers.

3. Create a good defense strategy… but don’t get defensive

However, this doesn’t mean you should be defensive, but it does mean you need to have systems in place to respond to your online reviews. You don’t want to leave online reviews sitting with no engagement, or by responding with negativity. Our Posties help you respond quickly while protecting your online reputation.

4. Leverage the power of Subs for a refresh

A newly subbed, fresh player can revive a lull in your team. If something isn’t working, take a moment to evaluate and try something new. Maybe you’re seeing some themes in the online reviews people are leaving for your business. Is it something you can possibly make change on? One of our goals at PostBack is to see those original online reviews taken down. Making improvements to your business may help that process, and raise your star rating in the process!

5. Nurture that hometown advantage, on and off the field

There’s nothing quite like feeling the love and support of the hometown crowd. Striving to be a top-rated local business is like winning over your local fans. We’ve created a set of positive responses you can use to lift up online reviewers in your Posties! Also, keep it local and share your Watchlists with other businesses in your area or specialty.

Post-game Wrap

At the end of the day, managing your online reviews requires a lot of the same skills used in playing a game of soccer — strategy, teamwork, consistency, adaptability. Amid the chaos of crowds, or websites in this case, never lose sight of what got you into the game in the first place… a love of the sport. Or, in this case, your business. When you lead with that, the hometown crowd can’t help but love you!

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

We’ve been watching a lot of soccer lately… which got us thinking… How can we apply sports strategies to managing online reviews? Check out PostBack’s five tips to manage your online reviews like a soccer match. Let’s get started.

First, take advantage of kick-off to set the tone. Your first online reviews can really set the tone for your whole game. Make sure you respond in a way that boosts your image, instead of getting into long back-and-forths, or flame wars. You can stay professional while addressing any issues.

Next, use your midfielders well. Consider your social media managers as your midfielders. They are playing both offense and defense. They set the pace and are the connectors. Your social media midfielders are the bridge between your customer service and your business/brand. Make sure they have had the right training for the most impact by using our PostieDex guide to customer types. 

Third, create a good defense strategy… but don’t get defensive. This doesn’t mean you should be defensive, but it does mean you need to have systems in place to respond to your online reviews. You don’t want to leave online reviews sitting with no engagement, or by responding with negativity. Our Posties help you respond quickly while protecting your online reputation.

Use subs to stay fresh. A newly subbed, fresh player can revive a lull in your team. If something isn’t working, take a moment to evaluate and try something new. Maybe you’re seeing some themes in the online reviews people are leaving for your business. Is it something you can possibly make change on? Making improvements to your business may help that process, and raise your star rating in the process!

Finally, nurture that hometown advantage. There’s nothing quite like feeling the love and support of the hometown crowd. Striving to be a top-rated local business is like winning over your local fans. We’ve created a set of positive responses you can use to lift up online reviewers in your Posties!

Now, get out there and win your game! PostBack.com

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