Things To Consider Before Pressing Send On Social Media
Companies are increasingly finding themselves under a microscope thanks to fast-streaming social media. Status updates are scrutinized for spelling, grammar and inconsistencies, however, nothing can cause a of loss of revenue or reputation like controversial topics or posts that spark controversy.
Depending on the nature of your business, you may find that followers and customers expect you to voice your opinion on world events or current issues. In these instances, it’s hard to know exactly what to post on social media, if anything. As a business owner, you may also feel a responsibility to address certain issues affecting your community, the world or causes dear to your heart but it’s important to consider how it will affect your business.
Here are some things to consider before pressing “send”:
1. Don’t Act Hastily
Modern technology moves at lightning speed and while that’s great for business, fast fingers have landed many businesses in hot water lately. Screenshots and the sharing function allows followers to relay information at the push of a button. Even if you delete a post, it may never fully disappear from the matrix or your customer’s minds.
It’s vital to consider all possible scenarios and outcomes before posting on controversial topics. Business owners should be cautious of posting to social media when emotions are running high as words can be easily misconstrued in the heat of the moment.
2. Ask for Feedback
If you’re unsure whether your post will be well-received, you may want to ask for feedback before you post it. The written word can easily be taken out of context similar to emails. Before you hit send, ask a few coworkers or friends if your words can be seen as offensive. They may have a different perception than you do. We filter things differently based on our life experiences so another perspective may keep you out of hot water.
If you’re having doubts or second thoughts, you may want to sleep on it or reconsider altogether. Some companies such as Facebook are well-known for speaking out on social injustices all over the globe while Starbucks caught heat for the infamous red cup gate.
3. Review Social Media Policies
All employers should have well-defined social media policy in place that is properly communicated to all employees. A good social media policy informs employees of what is and isn’t appropriate for social media and lays out potential consequences if it is violated. Employees are representatives of the company so what they say and do is a direct reflection on the business.
Employees who have access to the company’s social media profiles should be knowledgeable of what to post and when. Anything posted on social media by a staff member or owner should be in alignment with the company and its overall mission.
4. Public Relations Nightmare
Once the damage has been done, you may have to call in the big guns to stop the bleeding. A good public relations manager will know how to deescalate the situation and put you on good footing going forward.
Also, be sure to speak with your content specialist to come up with a social media plan. A post that goes viral is what every business owner dreams of but you want it to be for the right reasons. With the invention of the internet and social media, there are eyes upon us 24/7. In the blink of an eye a business can suffer considerable loss of revenue or cause customers to lose faith in them. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you ever have questions about what to post to social media contact your content specialist at (866) 653-4175.
