In the age of information, one cannot simply overlook the effect that social media has on various facets of human existence. Particularly, business firms take a calculated risk, when they use social media for marketing. The most common risk of using social media in business is negative feedback. However, this has not prevented startups and entrepreneurs from using social media to their advantage. Here, you will come to know about the common disadvantages of social media, which you need to take guard against.
Potential embarrassment
On social media, posts often go viral. People always have their eyes open for bad posts. In case you are not careful enough about what you are posting, it can lead to embarrassment. Your company can land up in an awkward position. Instances are several to show how companies had suffered negative publicity in the past. It can result in weakening of bonds with customers, which can have a poor effect on your business.
People have the opportunity to share their opinions through comments on social media posts. In case they misinterpret your message, chances are high that they will end up with an negative vibe about your brand. Others might follow the suit, without understanding the actual motive of your message. This can lead to a mass embarrassment, over which you have no control.
Misusing social media
Apart from the situations discussed above, ineffective use of social media can lead to a loss of business. You must understand that social media marketing is a long process and it takes time. The results may not show up instantaneously and you need to have patience and no waver from your strategy. In case you simply push people to buy your products through social media, it is likely to hurt your reputation. Companies must use social media as a tool to engage their customers. You need to interact with potential customers constantly on the social media. Besides, it is necessary to comment on their posts. Failure to do so may reflect the lack of professionalism.
Information theft
Loss of business information remains a threat, considering the disadvantages of social media. The privacy of data remains at stake, as the number of cyber crimes keeps on increasing. Besides, hacking of personal accounts can lead to financial losses. Over the last few years, incidents of personal and business account hacks are increasing. Besides, the hackers may post materials, that affect the business adversely. This is one of the areas business firms need to take guard when they use social media.
Negative feedback
While attempting to use social media to your advantage, it can eventually backfire. Using social media opens up the door to receive negative feedback from various consumer groups. Given that social media has a great reach, negative information about your company can become viral in no time. In case someone had a bad experience with your company, he or she might share the experience over social media.
Besides, negative feedback can come in several forms. For instance, you might be having a page on Facebook. Your competitor may leave a negative review of your product on the page. When a potential customer checks it out, the impression is likely to be negative. Besides, the users on Twitter can tag various companies in their posts, while sharing negative feedback. The negative news spreads, as people keep retweeting the same.
Considering the disadvantages and threats of social media, business firms should adopt a calculated approach while using the platforms.
