Ah social media…it’s a great way to procrastinate, catch up with old friends and watch companies self-destruct. As long as social media has been around there have been people doing it right…and doing it wrong.
When businesses get caught up in drama online, it can get ugly, fast. Follow these tips and catch our Social Media Screwups Webinar on September 19 to avoid trouble.
The Good
The truth is that there’s no one-size-fits-all method when it comes to social media. However, there are a few general guidelines that you should keep in mind:
- Keep it short
- Be authentic
- Make it engaging
When talking about successful social media campaigns, it’s pretty hard to ignore BuzzFeed’s massive success.
This simple post show off all 3 of the how-tos for social media posting: the description is short, it’s authentic to their brand and it invites people to engage the subject matter by posting their take on the meme in the comments.
The Bad
Oftentimes, when business owners go bad on social media it’s in response to a negative review. It’s understandable to be upset when someone is tarnishing your reputation (especially when it’s untrue) but it’s important to reign in your anger unless you want to end up an internet laughing stock. Such was the case for the Radiator Doctor who landed himself and his business in hot water when he responded to a negative review.


If you find yourself in a sticky situation and aren’t sure how to react, we have an entire blog post dedicated on how (and how not) to respond to negative reviews.
The WTF
As long as brands continue to post on social media, horrible decisions will blow up in their face. As we discussed in our roundup of social media fails in 2016, it’s important to always have another person review any “risky” posts before you publish them.
If you don’t, you’ll find yourself wading into WTF infamy, like this poorly thought out ad that stirred controversy.
Leave the raunchy humor for South Park.
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Sign Up For Our FREE Webinar: Social Media Screwups
September 19, 2018
When businesses get caught up in an argument online, or say something that ignites outrage, the word spreads like wildfire, and all (ahem) heck breaks loose. Whether you’re a dentist in Minnesota or a jet-setting PR executive on Twitter, it seems nobody is safe when the Internet mob comes calling.
Sometimes the best medicine is a vaccination of examples (sorry). Let’s get you a shot of what not to do in your social media – both to protect yourself and to get a good laugh – and learn how to handle it when things go badly online.
Need a new digital marketing or web design plan? We are a Minneapolis SEO, digital marketing, social media marketing, web design and inbound marketing agency. We’re located just outside of Minneapolis. Stop on by and get started – and while you’re here, pick up a free honey stick (yes, we love our bee-related theme).