Forty.

That's how many positive online reviews experts say it takes to outweigh just one negative review. While it's totally unfair - especially if the bad review came from a Karen or Ken - it's part of our 24/7 online lifestyle.

But what if there was a way to reclaim the power of those 40 good experiences? There is, and it can make all the difference for your bottom line. The reputation management experts at San Diego-based Get Ready Marketing explain.

If you've spent any time shopping online, it's no secret that customer reviews can be a significant asset or a serious liability for small businesses. Reviews can make or break products, services, or whatever it is you're selling. Entire services have sprung up to help readers determine whether the online reviews they read are real or fake.

Readers don't expect perfection - a rating of 4.2 to 4.7 stars is the sweet spot, research from social marketing firm Emplifi has revealed. While a 5.0 seems like it would be the goal, many say that a perfect 5.0 makes them suspicious. Generally, potential customers want to see a track record of at least 10 reviews - and ideally more than 50 - so a few that are less than perfect are to be expected.

But you don't have to let those negative reviews define your business. Rather than waiting to react defensively when the inevitable happens, you can control the narrative with proactive reputation management techniques that convert positive testimonials into lead-generating assets. By strategically highlighting your positive reviews on your website, social media, and other platforms, you can shift the focus from that one negative review to the dozens of positive opinions.

Not sure where to start? The reputation marketing experts at Get Ready Marketing provide the following tips:

Make sure your Google Business profile is up-to-date and thorough - it streamlines the collection of online reviews.

Set up alerts to be notified when you get a new Google review.

Create reminders to manually check reviews on any platforms that don't provide alerts.

Create online content that highlights positive feedback.

Respond quickly and authentically to negative online feedback.

Business owners who wish to simplify and streamline the process, or who need crisis response options, may wish to hire professional reputation management services.

Whether you do the job yourself or choose to outsource, in today's market, you can't afford to ignore your online reputation. Not at 40-to-1 odds. And not at a loss of $3,000 to 1. The numbers don't lie - but by managing your reputation proactively, you get to tell the story. Click on the link in the description to learn more!