Online sharing has made it easier than ever before for customers to spread the word about brands and products they truly enjoy. There are also forums and social media platforms where professionals network and discuss different companies from the perspective of working there.
Unfortunately, social media and online reviews have made it easier than ever before for dissatisfied customers, bitter former employees or even competitors to defame a business. Online defamation could range from leaving details negative reviews that steer people away from a business to social media posts sharing fabricated horror stories that involve a local business.
If online complaints, exaggerated stories or false reviews have started affecting your business, can you potentially protect the company?
There are ways to resolve online defamation issues
Making negative statements with the intention of harming someone’s business opportunities or reputation would fall clearly under the definition of defamation. It does not matter if such negative speech occurs online or in person. It can do significant damage to a business’s prospects.
One might argue that online defamation can be particularly damaging because it can spread indefinitely instead of only reaching a few sets of ears. If a former employee makes up a story about the alleged abuse they claim to have suffered at your business, their social media posts could go viral, resulting in a flurry of bad press and negative feedback for your business online.
When your company can identify the source of the defamation, you can approach them to have them remove the offending content or retract it. In some cases, you may even need to go to court. Releasing a company statement is often not sufficient, as both customers and workers have begun to demand more from companies.
Defamation is a serious issue for businesses
When you have the right support, it is frequently a straightforward process to address online defamation. The ability to prove that a claim is false is key to fighting back against defamation in many cases.
From reaching out to social media platforms regarding inappropriate content to connecting online reviews to a business competitor, there are many simple steps that you can take to resolve online defamation. Taking action to fight back against defamation harming your business can hold someone accountable for their misconduct and potentially compensate your organization for the harm done as well.
