In today’s digitally-dominated marketplace, knowing how to check out a company’s reputation is indispensable for consumers and businesses. After all, trust is a foundational element in business relationships, and given the competitive nature of most markets, having a good reputation sets a company apart from its competitors.
However, when we ask, “How do I check a company’s reputation?” we open up a new world of insights, red flags, and due diligence steps.
The importance of understanding a business’s reputation cannot be understated, as it directly impacts customer experience, trustworthiness, and long-term success.
At Business Screen, we understand the weight of this task. That’s why we simplify the process for clients, offering comprehensive due diligence services.
But if you want to conduct preliminary research, here’s a rundown of the top 11 sites and methods to spot potential reputation red flags.
Primary Use: Checking customer complaints and business accreditation.
For many years, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has served as a reliable and trusted resource for consumers seeking to validate the reputation of local businesses. Their comprehensive platform offers valuable insights such as ratings, customer complaints, and accreditation status.
Businesses with a lower BBB rating or a track record of unresolved complaints should be approached cautiously, as this could indicate a cause for concern. By leveraging the information provided by the BBB, consumers can make informed decisions and ensure a positive experience when engaging with local businesses.
Don’t miss this post next, where we break down the importance of running business background checks.
Primary Use: Reading reviews and assessing overall business ratings.
Google Business Profiles (formerly Google My Business) are often the first touchpoint for customers searching for a business online. They offer a snapshot of positive and negative customer feedback, providing insights into a business owner’s response to criticism and the overall customer experience.
Primary Use: Evaluating customer experiences with local businesses.
Yelp is primarily known for its detailed reviews on local businesses, from restaurants to service providers. Approach businesses with multiple negative reviews or patterns of negative reputation with caution.
Primary Use: Understanding employee satisfaction and internal company dynamics.
Glassdoor, as a leading platform for employee reviews, goes beyond its primary function to provide valuable insights into various aspects of a company. Glassdoor covers crucial components that contribute to a company’s reputation and overall employee experience, from the general company culture to the effectiveness of management practices and even internal issues.
With this comprehensive perspective, Glassdoor empowers job seekers and helps companies build transparency and trust with potential employees.
Primary Use: Broadly assessing online reviews across industries.
Trustpilot aggregates reviews from various industries, offering a balanced look at both small business and large corporation reputations. Companies with transparent, responsive interactions have a good reputation here. It also serves as a platform for companies to further engage with their customers and create an overall positive customer experience.
Moreover, Trustpilot can be used by business owners to gain insights into their reputation online. This helps them understand how they are perceived by different audiences and adjust accordingly. It’s also an opportunity to build trust through actively engaging with customers and responding to feedback.
Primary Use: Evaluating online businesses and e-commerce sites.
For those who are curious about the reputation of online-based businesses, SiteJabber provides a comprehensive platform with insightful user reviews. These reviews serve as a valuable resource, helping potential customers:
With the collective wisdom and experiences shared on SiteJabber, individuals can confidently make informed decisions and navigate the online business landscape.
Primary Use: Gauging customer interaction, feedback, and company updates.
In the age of digital marketing, a company’s online reputation can often be gauged by its social media presence. Look for patterns in customer interactions, feedback, and how the business responds to both positive and negative comments.
Primary Use: Understanding brand image, mission, and values.
Though it might seem obvious, a company website can reveal a lot. Some of the things to look for include:
All these items offer a snapshot of the company’s brand image. However, note that any absence of these might be a red flag.
Primary Use: Learning about how customers feel about a product or service.
YouTube is a great place to start if you want feedback on a particular product or service. Customers often post reviews of their experiences with the company and include demo videos for new products.
These videos help you understand customers’ impressions in an engaging format that goes beyond a simple one-star review. Additionally, it will help you identify any potential red flags associated with the product or service.
Primary Use: Gaining insights from peers and industry experts.
Many industries have dedicated forums and boards where professionals and customers share experiences. These can be gold mines for unfiltered feedback and potential reputation issues.
Primary Use: Checking for any controversies or public relations issues.
If a company has faced legal issues, controversies, or significant public relations setbacks, they’ll likely be covered by news outlets or industry blogs. A quick search can reveal these potential reputation landmines.
The digital age has made it easier to research and understand the reputation of businesses, whether you’re a consumer looking for a reputable company or a business owner aiming to improve your image. However, while these platforms may offer some valuable insights, navigating them can be time-consuming and overwhelming.
That’s where Business Screen steps in.
We offer our clients comprehensive due diligence services, ensuring they make informed decisions backed by thorough research. These services are tailored to investment, vendor, partnership, and customer screening.
We also offer international investigative services to uncover hidden risks with companies and people outside of the United States—our turnkey international investigation packages have coverage in over 150 countries and territories.
Trust in the business world is invaluable, and ensuring a company’s reputation is in good standing is the first step toward building that trust.
Contact us today to learn more and start protecting your reputation.
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