Why is the reputation of retailers and businesses in a community of communes or agglomerations important?
The image of a community of communes is absolutely essential to its legitimacy and long-term prosperity. Indeed, it must be perceived as a mirror of the competence and know-how of its members, whether businesses or tradespeople, and of their dedication to defending their common interests.
A positive image inspires trust and credibility with citizens, administrations and stakeholders, creating a context conducive to the expansion and development of the community and its members. Members of a community with a solid image benefit from a certain recognition, and can therefore attract more opportunities and resources (credit allocated, visibility of initiatives).
However, a tarnished image can have detrimental effects for the community and its stakeholders. It can lead to a loss of trust and credibility, resulting in fewer opportunities and less influence/affluence for the community: criteria conducive to desertification.
The image of a community of communes is of vital importance to the success of its day-to-day activities. It must be seen as an indisputable priority for the community, which must constantly work to improve its image and influence in order to guarantee a strong, positive reputation among all the players in its territory. The higher the community’s profile and visibility, the more credibility and importance the community will have.
A digital reputation to achieve the objectives of a community of towns and cities
For municipalities and conurbations:
The objectives of the communities of communes towards their retailers and businesses are manifold, and vary according to local circumstances. However, a few general guidelines can be identified.
Firstly, they aim to foster an economic environment conducive to the development and sustainability of local businesses. This is achieved by supporting the creation and establishment of businesses, setting up financial aid schemes and developing business parks.
Secondly, communities of communes aim to boost local trade, by promoting local shops and making the area more attractive to consumers. This can take the form of communication initiatives, sales promotions or the organization of local events.
Finally, they act as intermediaries between companies, retailers and the various institutional players. They represent them, defend their interests and promote networking.
It’s on these 3 levers that evangelizing e-reputation and Google My Business visibility to businesses and merchants can be a lever for overall growth for all stakeholders.
Objectives for public authorities :
The objectives of communities of communes vis-à-vis the public authorities are manifold, and can vary according to local circumstances. Nevertheless, we can identify several main missions.
Firstly, communities of communes have the role of representing all their member communes in dealings with public authorities. They defend their common interests and ensure that decisions taken at a higher level (departmental, regional, national, European) take account of their specific characteristics and needs.
Secondly, communities of communes are responsible for coordinating and implementing public policies within their territory. They are often responsible for managing certain public services (waste collection, water management, transport, etc.) and may therefore need to work closely with public authorities to ensure that these services run smoothly.
Finally, communities of communes have a role to play in dialogue and partnership with public authorities. In particular, they can apply for funding or support for projects of community interest.
Clearly, the reputation and overall visibility of local initiatives are a lever for public authorities. The better the reputation and image, the greater the attractiveness, and consequently the greater the willingness to listen to public authorities.
A good digital reputation for a community of communes will help
to build confidence among all stakeholders!
What types of services or support can we offer your communities of communes or agglomerations?
We can offer you and your members a wide range of physical (seminar/conference) or online options:
- Writing professionally adapted articles for your website or newsletters
- Online event for member companies and retailers to explain the benefits of professional reputation.
- Creation of a handbook dedicated to your community, for new companies or members.
- Distribution of the method presented on this site, at a preferential rate for your member companies or retailers
Examples of benefits for the community itself:
- Be stronger when renewing membership dues (if any)
- Increase search engine visibility (global or geolocalized)
- A more visible communication channel via Post Google My business
- Have a discussion channel with future members (activate discussions)
- Demonstrate the federation’s effectiveness through employee testimonials and notes
Examples of benefits for member companies:
- Show that the federation, and therefore the profession, is respectable
- Benefit from an effective method to enhance my communication
- If all the members go up… the community and its stakeholders also go up in reputation.
Retailers, B2B or B2C companies, organisations, do you want to improve your digital visibility and reputation?