13 Online Reputation Management Trends for 2024
By Recover Reputation
Forecasting Trends and What’s Next for 2024
The landscape of online reputation management (ORM) in 2024 looks completely in flux. Technological advancements, evolving business practices, and shifting consumer behavior is the dynamic driving everything. With this in mind, let’s delve into some critical trends that are poised to reshape web reputation management in the coming year.
Transitioning from Google to AI-Powered Search
Google searches will decline and might not be the go-to source for finding answers. (Personally, I have drastically cut down on Google searches and now use ChatGPT; young people are turning more to TikTok and Instagram.) Tools are jockeying constantly for the top position over the next year, but AI-generated answers from ChatGPT, among other things, will clearly become even more popular.
How does this impact your online reputation?
The bottom line is if you don’t show up in AI answers, you don’t exist. Many business owners have spent years building their online web presence but it could disappear quickly as more shift to AI. I think this is the biggest, most important trend to be aware of.
Managing AI-Created Content in Online Reputation Tactics
Not surprisingly, AI technologies are set to revolutionize online reputation management, among other things, but not in the way you think.
Brands, agencies and Individuals sometimes use AI-content to churn out swift, easy content. Yet, copy-and-pasting ChatGPT, Bard, Midjourney, etc. results can actually lead to reputation damage. These tools will become smarter, faster, and more shameless in making reputation management content–but everyone will have the same access, which just raises the bar for making genuine, authentic blogs, articles, videos, photos, and sound. As always, keep an eye on quality to avoid spreading poor content.
Looming AI-Fueled Reputation Attacks: Will 2024 Be the Year of the Deepfake Smears?
The potential for AI misuse in online reputation management has never been more possible. Powerful language models like ChatGPT and Bard, alongside image generators like Midjourney, have become easily accessible. Unfortunately, this poses a massive threat: the creation and dissemination of deepfakes and other AI-generated media aimed at tarnishing reputations of competitors, disgruntled clients or ex-employees.
Steering Clear of Reputation Hazards on Diminishing Social Channels: Twitter/X
We’ve come to the point where just using a social media platform can lead to a bad web presence and an example is Twitter/X. Posting there is not advisable. Being actively engaged with the toxicity of Twitter might not rise to the problems that using adult sites, OnlyFans, far-right platforms, etc., but using a mainstream site such as X is a problem. Given the headlines and negative we’ve all heard about, it’s no surprise that Elon Musk’s ownership has driven away advertisers. It turns out that brands are not fond of seeing Nazi posts next to their ads. So stay clear of using Twitter/X.
Capitalizing on Other Social Networks: Reddit, Quora, Threads
Some existing platforms will see a rise, while a new one will expand. Recently it seems that Google has been shifted where they get their information from, and it appears ChatGPT has been “scraping” Reddit and Quora. Reddit, the raucous online forum, and Quora, the answer-based site for searches, will be more popular in 2024. Meanwhile, as users and advertisers abandon X, the social media site, Threads is on the rise. As a result, focus on Reddit, Quora and Threads in 2024 for reputation management repair and building.
The Rising Significance of Local Online Reputation Management
Be local. For businesses, localized reputation strategies will gain more importance. Consider regional social media platforms, and be mindful of appropriate cultural nuances. You might be surprised that some areas and countries have their own platforms (such as Xing, a LinkedIn-like platform in German), for example. Flesh out local connections on Yelp, Google My Business, Bing Places, Patch, Next Door, and more.
Evaluating Bing’s Emerging Role in the Online Branding
Given the current popularity of ChatGPT, which is part-owned by Microsoft (and OpenAI), Bing will continue to possibly gain a bit more traffic but will still not be a competitor to Google. Still, don’t totally forget about Bing when it comes to your online reputation.
Maximizing Video Content in Online Reputation
Video-centric platforms like YouTube and TikTok continue to be pivotal for building and repairing a web presence. Videos are something that AI tools, at least for the moment at least, can’t replicate in a seamless way. That’s why managing video content and addressing reputation issues on these platforms will continue to be crucial. If it feels overwhelming to learn editing techniques and polished visual elements, start with just holding your phone out in front of you, and make a thirty-second video on something helpful for a typical client. Authenticity is more important than excellent craft, in my opinion..
Adjusting to Social Media Dynamics
The role of social media in reputation management might actually be waning. Always maintain profiles and continue to post your content, its primacy as a driver of reputation may dip in 2024. Still, be on the lookout for negative comments and leverage platforms for positive engagement, ensuring that every social interaction enhances your online reputation.
Holistic Online Reputation Management with Other Initiatives
Online reputation management is becoming more integrated with other digital marketing strategies like SEO, content marketing, and crisis management. In reality, this was always the case–just people are starting to see the interrelated connections. This holistic approach is crucial for creating a cohesive and impactful digital presence.
Emphasizing Honesty and Authenticity
In 2024, client’s and user’s expectation for transparency and authenticity is more pronounced than ever, particularly where AI-generated content is easy to generate. Reputation management strategies need to adapt, and emphasize genuine engagement to sustain trust.
Privacy and Data Security in ORM Approaches
With heightened awareness of fake images, falsely generated blogs, and data privacy leaks, online reputation management needs to align more with privacy laws and ethical standards. “Black hat” techniques might be tempting to use but could quickly be discovered and lead to severe damage. Since checking for AI-generated content is now even easier, it’s discovery results in reputation damage too. Thus, security and data protection are super important.
Evolving Tactics for New Platforms
We’ve discussed numerous platforms like Reddit, Quora, Threads, Facebook, and others, yet the future could unveil entirely new social media that we’ve not yet encountered. Who knows–perhaps a blend of AI and with traditional search features (which we are starting to see). In any case, online reputation management strategies need to be agile and evolve quickly to handle emerging platforms.
Online Reputation Management Solutions for 2024
Forecasting the near future of online reputation management can be challenging. Yet, the fundamental approach is the same: keep the focus on quality. Try:
- Exploring alternatives to Google and potentially other search engines like Bing
- Exercising caution with AI-generated content to prevent poor quality “copy-paste” content
- Actively seeking and addressing fake content associated with your name or business
- Engaging and post consistently on platforms like Reddit and Quora
- Maintaining regular activity on Threads
- Steering clear of Twitter/X to avoid potential harm
- Focusing on strategies on local sites/platforms
- Crafting engaging video content for YouTube and TikTok
- Utilizing Facebook but not as before
- Adopting a holistic approach that integrates with SEO, crisis management
- Upholding transparency and ethical practices in all online activities
- Staying receptive to new and evolving digital platforms
Conclusion: Navigating and Embracing ORM in 2024
In 2024, online reputation management is constantly evolving, driven by tech, shifting trends in social media, changes in consumer behavior, and evolving regulations. To maintain a positive web presence, it’s essential to adapt swiftly and strategically to these ongoing changes.
