Best Reputation Management Software of 2026

Here's what we'll cover:

What you need to know about reputation management software

What is reputation management software?

Essential features of reputation management software

Benefits and competitive advantages of using online reputation management software

How to choose the best reputation management software for your business

Software related to reputation management software

More resources for your reputation management journey

What you need to know about reputation management software

Reputation management software is a tool designed for requesting, tracking, and responding to online reviews, allowing businesses to build a positive and strong online reputation for their brand. Features such as review monitoring, review generation, and social media management are crucial for online reputation management to help companies respond promptly to their customers and encourage positive mentions. We've spoken to more than 390 software buyers to assist them in selecting the right tool for supporting their businesses in creating successful brands. [1]

To provide an overview of the market, we have over 240 different reputation management vendors on our site, and we've published more than 1,400 verified reviews for reputation management products in the past year alone. If your business maintains an online presence, the question should not be whether or not to use online reputation management software, but which tool to pick to meet your company's specific requirements. 

Pricing will be a key factor to consider in your search for reputation management software, as it can affect your budget. Entry-level options commonly start at $131 per month, while high-end plans can run as much as $415 per month. [2] Free trials are often available for many products, allowing you to test them before committing to a long-term contract.

First-time buyers should be aware that pricing may vary depending on the chosen billing cycle (monthly or annual) and other factors such as the number of users, seats, social profiles, or domains included in the plan. 

Therefore, it's essential to begin your evaluation by considering your budget, the number of users, your specific needs, and any necessary integrations. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop a list of critical questions to guide your evaluation process, such as:

• Can this system monitor or track mentions, hashtags, or comments on multiple channels?  

• How does your software help us understand customer sentiment towards our brand?

• Does the software utilize AI to enhance review response capabilities?

• What types of alerts can my team receive to be notified of new mentions, comments, or reviews?

• Does the software support monitoring across the social media platforms we’re using now?

Choosing the right reputation management software from multiple vendors can be daunting. This guide will inform you about the essential features and benefits of reputation management tools and offer a step-by-step approach to selecting the perfect solution for your unique needs. In addition, you'll also get valuable insights and advice from Blake Morgan, a consumer experience futurist, keynote speaker, and author of three books on customer experience. [3]

What is reputation management software?

Reputation management software is a unified platform to help marketers and marketing teams manage and enhance their brand's online presence. It lets businesses gather and respond to online reviews while tracking and alerting them about online mentions in feedback, comments, or citations.

Brand mention monitoring in Mention

Common features of reputation management systems include review monitoring, review generation, social media management, reporting and analytics, and leveraging reviews. Users of online reputation management software can respond to negative reviews in a timely and sympathetic manner, perhaps even getting those reviewers to reconsider their rating. Additionally, the system can be used to encourage regular customers to post positive feedback, thereby increasing rankings and enhancing the brand's online perception.

Essential features of reputation management software

When evaluating reputation management software to find the best fit for your company's needs, it's crucial to know what features you can expect to see. Some resources, like review monitoring and media monitoring, are considered core features that will be available in every reputation management system. Common features include review request, response management, and sentiment analysis, among others. Based on our analysis of various reviews and interviews with marketing managers, we've identified the core features of reputation management software. [4] 

Core reputation management features

Common reputation management features

Prioritizing robust features to offer effective review responses is indispensable for a successful reputation management strategy. Blake Morgan, a leading expert on customer experience, emphasizes the critical role of responding to customer reviews. She argues, "If you listen to a customer that's upset, you let them vent, you address it, you respond and then you make changes based on what they told you. This is so powerful. It's the best marketing that you could ever do." 

Blake's observation highlights the value of engaging with customer feedback to strengthen relationships and improve overall brand perception. Neglecting customers’ issues can significantly impact a company's competitive advantage.

Benefits and competitive advantages of using online reputation management software

Our analysis of 285 user reviews from the past year reveals that review management, social media management, and reporting are the top-rated benefits of reputation management software. These features are crucial for supporting essential daily tasks, such as growing an online presence, organizing social media content, and receiving insights through reports and analytics.

• Review management: Allows businesses to respond to all reviews, including the ability to effectively manage negative feedback to improve their online presence. Reputation management team members can also receive alerts about new mentions or reviews, enabling them to proactively monitor and protect the brand's online perception. 

• Social media management: This allows users to track social media accounts and engage with their audience across multiple platforms. Reports and analytics are also available to efficiently help identify relevant content types and determine the right moment for publishing posts.

• Reporting: Customizing, exporting, and real-time monitoring help teams stay current with sentiment analysis and gain valuable insights into different key metrics.

While these benefits primarily apply to general reputation management software, they can also significantly contribute to other areas, such as customer experience (CX) strategies. Blake Morgan remembers that social media is very important for CX: “Listening to your customers, gathering feedback and improving your products and services based on that feedback is everything. Additionally, customer service now has expanded to include social media. So customers expect to engage with you on social media as well.”

How to choose the best reputation management software for your business

Step 1: Define your requirements

Before selecting an online reputation management software, it's important to start by defining your specific needs, such as determining the required number of seats or users and identifying necessary integrations with your existing marketing tech stack. These will guide you towards the system that aligns with your current operational demands and supports your long-term goals. 

What is the cost of reputation management software?

The price of reputation management software is difficult to generalize because it depends on the factors that vary by buyers, such as:

• Number of seats, users, social profile, or domain

• Required features

• Review invitations

• AI-driven tools

However, our analysis of 382 calls with marketing buyers over the past year indicates that the majority (45%) invest more than $375 per month in their marketing systems.

Integration considerations for reputation management software

Integration capabilities are crucial for reputation management software, especially considering the need to monitor social media profiles, which often requires seamless integration. Therefore, buyers should carefully evaluate the tools and categories the system can integrate with.

Reputation management systems are often integrated with CRM software, eCommerce platforms, and helpdesk software in addition to social media platforms. These integrations enable companies to enhance their online image by soliciting reviews following closed cases, completed sales, or solved tickets. 

It's essential to remember that the industry or sector you operate in will likely shape your requirements for reputation management software, especially in terms of integrations. For instance, businesses reliant on appointments, such as healthcare providers, wellness centers, and fitness studios, can integrate their appointment scheduling software with their reputation management platform for automating repetitive tasks. The integration between these systems enables the automated sending of review requests to clients immediately following their appointments.

Prioritize online reputation management platforms that comply with the FTC rule

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has introduced a new rule, announced in August 2024, that bans the use of fake reviews and testimonials. This rule applies to businesses across various sectors that utilize customer reviews as part of their marketing strategy. The aim is to prevent deceptive practices that mislead consumers about the quality or performance of products and services, thereby ensuring a fair and transparent marketplace.

For buyers, selecting a reputation management software that aligns with the FTC's rule is essential to ensure compliance and maintain consumer trust. Such software must offer resources that facilitate the collection and display of authentic customer feedback, effectively filter out fraudulent reviews, and provide transparency in review management processes. By using compliant software, businesses can avoid legal repercussions, protect their brand integrity, and foster genuine relationships with their customers.

Be aware of potential drawbacks 

While reputation management software offers numerous benefits, it's crucial to be aware of potential pitfalls that may arise during usage. When evaluating online reputation management software options, consider the following key concerns:

• Issue resolution: Some platforms can present usability challenges, including bugs and missing features. These issues can frustrate users and hinder effective use of the software. Moreover, due to the constantly evolving market, some vendors prioritize launching new features over addressing existing bugs and maintaining stability. Users may end up spending more time troubleshooting than effectively utilizing the software for their business needs.

• Automated messages: Relying too heavily on automated, templated customer responses offered by reputation management software can negatively impact your business's reputation. These generic replies may not effectively address each client's unique needs and concerns, leading to a less personal and potentially unsatisfactory customer experience.

• Learning curve: A third consideration is the learning curve associated with reputation management software, which can be quite steep for beginners. Due to the vast number of features available, they may find the software cumbersome and overwhelming. Without sufficient training, users can experience "analysis paralysis," leaving them uncertain about how to proceed or prioritize tasks.

Additionally, it's also important to have realistic expectations when utilizing technology for reputation management. While systems provide valuable features for automating responses to consumer reviews, mentions, or comments, and many tools emphasize their capability to add a human touch to automated messages, effective brand reputation management still relies on human involvement and insight to accurately address consumer needs.

Step 2: Make a shortlist of reputation management software

Explore our list of reputation management FrontRunners

If you're not ready to speak with an advisor right now, you can begin creating your shortlist of reputation management software using our FrontRunners report. For more information on how the report is compiled, check out our full methodology description.

After creating your shortlist for reputation management software, you can access our free, downloadable Software Comparison Chart to analyze your final list of system candidates. This tool enables software buyers to compare up to three vendors side-by-side, focusing on key elements such as integration capabilities, pricing models, and available functionalities.

Step 3: Pick your best option

How to prepare for vendor demos

After compiling your shortlist of reputation management software, consider scheduling demo sessions with vendors to see how each system operates. This is an excellent opportunity to inquire about functionalities, integration, total cost of ownership, technical support, training, and other crucial factors that can influence your decision in selecting the ideal reputation management system for your business.

Here are some questions you might consider asking the vendor during the demo session:

• What kind of customer support do you offer during implementation? 

One of the primary reasons implementations fall short is the lack of proper client support and assistance. Ensure you inquire with providers about their strategies to assist your team throughout the implementation phase. Additionally, verify with vendors if there are any additional costs associated with this process.

• What integrations does your software support?

Understanding the available integrations ensures that the reputation management system can link with your existing social media accounts and tools, preserving your workflow. This inquiry aids in evaluating whether the software will enhance efficiency by automating different tasks, removing manual data entry, and consolidating information across systems. Additionally, you should determine if the integrations you require are standard or tailored options and whether the vendor will implement and/or maintain these integrations.

• What happens if I exceed the contracted limit for a service, such as the number of SMS messages included in my plan?

Some software provides a limited number of SMS messages, emails, or review requests each month. To ensure your workflow remains uninterrupted if you surpass the contracted limit, evaluate how simple it is to monitor your usage, how the system alerts you about your consumption, how easily you can obtain additional resources, and the associated costs for these extras.

For getting ready for the demo session, take a look at our guide How To Cut Through the Sales Pitch During Software Demos. 

Step 4: Make the most of your reputation management software

After choosing your new reputation management system and signing the contract, you'll embark on the implementation journey. Whether you're transitioning from one reputation management tool to another or moving away from a collection of spreadsheets, there are several key factors you'll want to focus on during this phase:

• Pilot project: Deploy the reputation management tool on smaller tasks to evaluate its effectiveness and make any needed modifications before a complete implementation. Utilize this stage to gather feedback, resolve any problems, and fine-tune your change management strategy.

• Training: Develop a comprehensive training program to familiarize all users with the new tool, starting with basic features and advancing to more complex functionalities. Clearly communicate the new tool's benefits, explaining how it will improve daily workflows and enhance team efficiency. Encourage engagement with vendor-provided resources, such as video tutorials and FAQs, and supplement these with your own Q&A sessions and a detailed knowledge base.

• Transition management: Be prepared for possible delays or confusion when switching to a new tool, which might slow down your team's response to reviews or online comments. To handle these challenges, make sure your customer support team has the right skills and strategies to stay efficient and respond to clients quickly during the transition.

For additional information on ensuring a seamless transition, refer to our guide on 5 Critical Steps to a Successful Software Implementation Plan.

Software related to reputation management software

During your software search, you may find some types of tools that are closely related to reputation management software. Some of them are:

• Brand management software: Brand management systems help businesses oversee brand messaging, enabling them to create, organize, and distribute assets to ensure consistent branding across all channels.

• Review management software: Review management software assists businesses in efficiently monitoring, managing, and responding to customer reviews across multiple platforms. 

• Customer experience software: Customer experience software enhances the customer journey by identifying patterns and pain points across customer interactions, enabling businesses to refine processes and improve satisfaction. 

• Social media monitoring software: Social media monitoring tools enable businesses to track and analyze their social media interactions, enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement. 

• Social listening tools: Social media listening tools help businesses to track and analyze online conversations. They help teams to identify trends, understand customer sentiment, and respond to online mentions. 

• Public relations software:  Public relations (PR) software allows companies to improve their communication with media outlets by centralizing PR activities.

More resources for your reputation management journey

• How To Find Current Trending Topics: A Comprehensive Guide

• What Is Social Commerce, and How Does It Transform Business?

• Decision Fatigue is Ruining Online Shopping, But Existing Tech Can Help

• 7 Top-Rated Affordable Customer Service Software

• 7 Top-Rated Affordable Help Desk Software

• 7 Top-Rated Free Help Desk Software

About our contributors

Author

Marcela Gava is a senior content analyst with more than 14 years covering trends in multiple areas that have an impact on companies. She works as a data-driven writer and trend researcher, focusing her articles on cybersecurity, IT, finance, and digital culture.

Marcela has written nearly 50 research and analysis articles that draw on more than 2 million authentic reviews from software buyers on Capterra in order to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) find the best technology solutions for their needs. In addition, the insights provided by her articles help SMBs make more informed and assertive decisions.

Her research studies have been featured in some of the most important Brazilian media outlets.

Editor

Parul Sharma is a content editor at Software Advice with expertise in curating content for various niches, including SaaS, digital marketing, and search engine optimization. With over half a decade of experience in content writing and editing, Parul has the expertise to simplify complex terms into engaging, valuable content for targeted audiences. She completed her graduation and post-graduation in English literature from Delhi University and was awarded the Dr. Asha Sahni Memorial Award for being the highest scorer in her graduating class.

Parul has contributed to the news, lifestyle, education, and health verticle of DNA India, India’s premier media channel. Outside of work, she can be found curating healthy recipes, coloring in mandala books, and spending quality time with her family.

Contributor

Blake Morgan is a customer experience futurist, keynote speaker, and author of three books on CX.

Sources

1. Software Advice advisor call notes: Findings are based on data from telephonic conversations that Software Advice’s advisor team had with businesses seeking reputation management software. For this report, we analyzed phone interactions from January 10, 2024, to January 10, 2025. Read the complete methodology.

2. Software Advice software pricing data: Only products with publicly available pricing information and qualified software products within the category, as of May 2024, are included in the pricing analysis. Read the complete methodology.

3. Blake Morgan, LinkedIn

4. Software Advice reviews data: Software Advice reviews are collected from verified users for individual software products. For this report, we analyzed reviews from the past year as of the production date. Read the complete methodology.