It’s no secret that the internet is a breeding ground for negativity. And when it comes to businesses, that negativity can often take the form of online reviews. Bad reviews are the scourge of businesses, including law firms. The good news is you can do things to prevent a bad review from sinking your firm.
If your law firm has received a bad review, it’s important to take it in stride and not let it get the best of you.
What can you do when your firm receives a negative review?
Don’t Panic
The first thing to do when you see a bad review is to not panic. It’s important to keep in mind that not all reviews are going to be positive and that one negative review isn’t the end of the world.
Respond Quickly and Professionally
If you receive a negative review, it’s important to respond quickly and professionally. Acknowledge the reviewer’s concerns and try to resolve the issue if possible.
If possible, reach out to the client who left the negative review privately, as well. This shows that you’re willing to listen to feedback and makes it more likely that the client will give you another chance.
Don’t Take It Personally
It’s also important not to take the review personally. Remember that it’s just one person’s opinion and that there are many other potential clients out there who will see your firm in a positive light.
When you see a negative review, your first instinct may be to defend yourself. Getting defensive will only make the situation worse. Instead, take a deep breath and calmly respond to the review. Thank the client for their feedback and let them know you’re working to improve your business.
Use It as an Opportunity to Improve
Finally, try to use the negative review as an opportunity to improve. Take a look at what the reviewer said and see if there’s any truth to it. If so, use it as a chance to make some positive changes in your firm.
Dealing with negative online reviews can be tough, but it’s important to keep a level head and not let them get the best of you.
Will Your Firm Bounce Back from a Negative Review?
It’s no secret that negative reviews can be devastating to a business. One bad review can cost you clients, and a string of them can ruin your reputation. But, while it may seem like the end of the world when you get a negative review, it doesn’t have to be.
View negative reviews as an opportunity to improve your business. If there’s something you can change to prevent similar complaints in the future, do so. This shows clients that you’re always working to improve your business and makes them more likely to give you another chance.
Also, encourage happy clients to leave positive reviews.
When you get a positive review, promote it! Share it on social media, add it to your website, and do whatever else you can to show clients that you have happy clients too. This offsets the negative review and makes potential clients more likely to give you a chance.
Finally, invest time in monitoring your reviews. To prevent negative reviews from taking you by surprise, it’s important to monitor your online reviews regularly. This way, you can catch them early and take steps to mitigate the damage.
Need Help Managing Good and Bad Reviews?
If you need help managing reviews or you’re ready to implement a review program to help promote your business online, Legal Web Design can help. Contact us to learn more.