There are lots of examples of people using social media to say or do things that it would be better if they didn’t. It is common now to hear of some celebrity tweeting their opinion on some topic that they had to explain later, and very recently I saw on the news a clip of a young woman, using the social media APP Periscope, to broadcast herself driving while very drunk, I was reminded that we should think long and hard before we put anything out on social media for our business.
It is even more important on a business account not to put up posts that are born from frustration. I recently came across one of these and am sharing some excerpts from the post. I have taken out any reference to the type of business, name or location, even though this was posted on the business Facebook page.
“…We are extremely proud on what we do. And yes, we get it…(our products) are not for everyone. Understand our (business) for what it is – not what you think it should be… stop making us regret our decision to stay true to what (our business) means to us.”
Berating your possible customers on an open site for everyone to read is not a great way to encourage people to visit your place of business. I know owning a retail business can be frustrating sometimes, and yes there are times that we would like to tell people exactly what we are thinking, but it is very rarely a good idea.
What you do on your own social media accounts is up to you. Though if you are using a business account it’s good to keep your personal opinions, especially your opinions on politics, religion or other possibly incendiary topics to yourself.
What goes up on your business’s social media accounts is a reflection of you and your business. It’s hard enough to gain customers without losing them because of differing viewpoints that may have nothing to do with the quality or price of your products.
A tip of the glass from me to you
E column
by Elizabeth “E” Slater, In Short Direct Marketing
A recognized expert in the fields of direct marketing and sales in the wine marketplace. Slater has taught more wineries and winery associations how to create and improve the effectiveness of their direct marketing programs and to make the most of each customer’s potential than anyone in the wine industry today.
