subject: How To Know Whether An Online Media Business Is Reputable Or Not [print this page] How To Know Whether An Online Media Business Is Reputable Or Not
So you've heard all kinds of great things about what online media can do for your business, and you're ready to incorporate it in your marketing campaign. Good for you!
As a business owner you already know how important a good reputation is. It's really important for you to find a reputable online media business to work with so that you get good value from your online media campaigns.
Here are 5 steps you can use to research whether a business is reputable or not. Okay, let's get busy. We'll use AOL Media Network http://advertise.aol.ca/ as an example.
Step 1 Contact Information
There's a sense of professionalism and confidence that occurs when a company is willing to share their address and phone number. It certainly gives them credibility. If you like you can even make a quick telephone call to confirm their existence. For example, click Contact tab on the AOL site and it provides you with address, telephone, and email address.
Step 2 Terms And Conditions
Terms and conditions protect both you and the company. You know exactly how the company conducts business before you become involved with them so there are never any surprises (at least if you take the time to read the terms and conditions). It also let's you make a decision about whether you feel the company is above board. For example, on the AOL Ad Guidelines page you'll find both their policies and guidelines broken out in an easy to understand format.
Step 3 Privacy Statement
Privacy is a big concern these days, especially online. Companies that take the time to put together a privacy statement show a level of professionalism. Look for privacy statements that are clear and concise. AOL clearly states their privacy statement on their home site.
Step 4 Testimonials
Testimonials are a wonderful way to find out the experiences others had pertaining to the services offered. These endorsements confirms a client was happy with the products and services and let's you know that the have established a reputation for excellence.
Step 5 Reviews
Reviews for a company's products and services can be found all over the web, not just on their own website. This is a very useful tool in determining whether a business is reputable because it is reviews that you will find the negative comments. For example, a company purchases services from an online media company that doesn't come through and so they post a review stating what happened. Of course one negative review should be taken lightly but a host of them should draw your attention to the possibility of problems. For example, a search for reviews on the AOL Media Network and you can find plenty. An excellent tool to help you decide if the site is right for you.
You treat your customers' right and that's how you should expect to be treated. By doing a little sleuth work before you choose an online media business you can feel confident that not only will your advertising budget get maximized, you'll get the products and services you expect to.
