How to Stop Negative Reddit Threads From Harming You

Because the CEO of an internet status administration (ORM) firm, I’ve seen numerous organizations wrestle with the ripple results of false or adverse info on Reddit. Though Reddit does have group pointers that concentrate on what kind of content material is allowed, the positioning usually nonetheless has a trove of false, defamatory and unverified information printed on its platform.

So, whereas Reddit is beneficial in some ways, it will possibly change into a nightmare for companies when adverse threads achieve momentum.

One of many largest points with negative content on Reddit is that the threads are inclined to rank extremely in Google search outcomes for model and product names. Reddit threads usually change into much more outstanding for those who do a “Firm Title + Critiques” search. Think about an organization watching their Google search outcomes be dominated by decade-old, unfounded, presently irrelevant allegations or complaints. That is one thing we have helped purchasers resolve on quite a few events.

Associated: Stop Chasing Algorithms — Here’s How Creators Can Take Control of Their Content and Monetize on Their Own Terms

The Reddit status disaster is a enterprise actuality

Reddit, dwelling to greater than 73.1 million daily active users, is a double-edged sword for manufacturers. The platform’s open discussion board encourages free-flowing conversations, which is nice for engagement however could be devastating when conversations flip adverse. A single Reddit thread stuffed with false accusations or outdated info can reach the top of Google search results. As soon as it is there, it will possibly appear immovable.

For example, considered one of our purchasers, a revered tech actual property firm, discovered itself mired in controversy as a result of an unfounded accusation on Reddit. A consumer posted a thread claiming the corporate was a rip-off. Though a number of customers defended the corporate, these feedback have been buried beneath the extremely upvoted adverse ones. The thread’s placement on the prime of Google search outcomes severely damage the corporate’s credibility and led to a major monetary influence.

Associated: From Trusted to Cancelled — Here’s How to Navigate the Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

Coping with inaccurate or outdated content material on Reddit

Some manufacturers get trapped in conversations that do not replicate their present actuality. One other shopper of ours—a mid-sized firm — had two Reddit threads haunting its search outcomes. These threads targeted on a earlier proprietor’s actions, relationship again over a decade. The present management had no involvement in these occasions, but these outdated accusations ranked prominently on Google, misrepresenting the company’s brand. The hurt wasn’t simply reputational however emotional, as staff and prospects questioned the enterprise’s credibility.

Regardless of quite a few efforts to make clear the corporate’s place, Reddit’s authorized immunity under the Communications Decency Act (Section 230) and the platform’s concentrate on community-driven engagement made it almost unimaginable to handle the scenario head-on. The corporate confronted an uphill battle to reshape its picture and reached out to our firm for assist.

Associated: Don’t Be Fooled By Overnight Success Stories — Building a Business Takes More Time Than You Think. Here’s How to Play the Long Game.

website positioning as a strategic weapon

website positioning could be a highly effective software in managing a status disaster on Reddit. In truth, it permits corporations to take again management by pushing adverse threads down in search rankings and selling optimistic, correct content material. Here is how ORMs assist corporations reclaim their narrative:

1. Generate Excessive-Authority, Constructive Content material: When an organization’s prime Google outcomes are dominated by adverse Reddit threads, it’s vital to create a portfolio of optimistic content material that outranks these threads. With the actual property firm I discussed earlier, we labored to publish articles on respected platforms that showcased their legitimacy with correct info, pushing the damaging Reddit thread additional down Google’s outcomes. This tactic shifted public notion and, most significantly, began to get better misplaced income. According to Moz, 71% of search site visitors clicks come from the primary web page of Google. So, getting adverse content material off the primary web page can drastically scale back its influence.
2. Optimize Your Present Property: Companies not often notice the ability of their very own web sites. We advise corporations to optimize their current content material so it ranks properly for key search phrases related to Reddit negativity. By specializing in strategic key phrases and updating previous content material, manufacturers can shift the main target again to their present successes.
3. Leverage Backlinks to Increase Authority: Backlinks are one of many prime elements in Google’s algorithm. By building backlinks from trusted sources, companies can elevate optimistic content material above adverse Reddit threads.

Ought to corporations have interaction with adverse Reddit threads instantly?

One of the frequent questions I hear from purchasers is whether or not they need to have interaction instantly with adverse Reddit threads. Whereas leaping into the dialog to right false info may appear sensible, it will possibly usually backfire. Reddit is a extremely community-driven platform the place customers worth authenticity and transparency above all else. When corporations have interaction too forcefully, they will come off as defensive or inauthentic, fueling additional backlash.

Nonetheless, there are strategic methods to have interaction. Contemplate the next:

• Timing is Essential: If an organization engages earlier than assessing the complete scope of the dialog, it dangers inflaming the scenario. However, ready too lengthy can provide the false info an opportunity to entrench itself. Discovering the precise second is vital.
• Have a Clear, Reality-Based mostly Response: Should you select to have interaction, guarantee your response is grounded in information. Deal with correcting misinformation, not arguing with customers.
• Leverage Third Events: In lots of circumstances, having a impartial third occasion or well-respected consumer weigh in in your behalf could be more practical than the corporate responding instantly.
• Settle for That You Cannot Management the Narrative: When you have interaction, you open the door for extra scrutiny. The aim is to set the document straight for these keen to hear, however the platform’s nature means some customers will all the time cling to negativity.

Reddit model safety

Lengthy-term success in managing a Reddit disaster requires a proactive and ongoing reputation management strategy. That is why we advocate for continuously monitoring platforms like Reddit and implementing methods to mitigate the chance of adverse Reddit threads harming our purchasers’ reputations.

As somebody who has witnessed the far-reaching injury brought on by Reddit-driven status crises, I can let you know it is not unimaginable to get better. By leveraging website positioning methods, creating high-quality content material and constructing a powerful community of backlinks, companies can take again management over their on-line narrative.