How to (NOT) Use Social Media
So now that social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) have become mainstream for business marketing, it goes without say that some people are not using it correctly. While common sense should take priority, some people just don’t have it! So without further ado, here are some examples of Social Media FAILS: (You’re doing it wrong.)
- Verizon – Tweeted about competitor Comcast making the top ten “Worst Company In America” list…before realizing they were on the list too!
- Dunkin Donuts – Advertised on their FB & Twitter accounts a “Free Iced Coffee Day”. Turns out it was only for select franchise locations in 5 states. Customers created an onslought of complaints on their social media accounts that they had showed up for free coffee that wasn’t free.
- AT&T – Sent out a “Special Message” to it’s wireless customers, thanking them for their business & highlighting their $18 billion investment into it’s network. The email also contained a link to it’s FB page, where customers flocked to complain about the network!
OK, so those were big business blunders (provided by bnet.com). What about small business?
- Gloating about your latest vacation: Your customers do not want to hear about how you’ve spent their hard earned money going on vacation. Stop bragging and tell them how you’re investing company profits to create better service or products.
- We’re The Best!!! Your customers don’t care how great your company is. They only want to know how working with you is going to fulfill their needs.
- Insulting A Client: Never a good idea. Your customers will not appreciate it and you will destroy loyalty to your brand.
Remember that social media is a public outlet. If you wouldn’t include a post or tweet on your public website or in a newspaper for that matter, don’t put it on your Facebook or Twitter account.
