Top 4 Reasons Why Companies Are Scared of Social Media

laptop Businesses that have become active in social media have quickly learned that an effective social media strategy can benefit just about every company, regardless of industry, size, products or services.

But while many businesses are starting to embrace the power of social media and have willingly adopted social media strategies as part of their marketing campaigns, there are still many companies that are hesitant to take the plunge. And worse, there are companies who jump into social media because everyone else is doing it but quickly get in over their heads because they lack a deliberate and appropriate plan for effectively using the various social media outlets.

In this first of a three-post series, we will explore why some companies are fighting the social media phenomenon. My next post will outline how you can convince your company or a client that it’s time to embrace social media, and I’ll wrap up by providing a set of tips for any small business ready to get started in social media.

So, let’s start by taking a look at some of the reasons why companies are hiding from social media.

Lack of Understanding

Despite its acceptance, there is still a great deal of confusion about social media, especially when it comes to business use. This is often compounded for established businesses with traditional (i.e. old school) decision-makers who have difficulty seeing the value of the Web, even in general terms.

Many companies also see social media as outlets meant strictly for personal use, and don’t understand how web sites used by teenagers and college students can actually function as an effective marketing tool for a business.

Concerns about Brand Management

Social media campaigns can be viewed as risky to some companies, especially if the business currently doesn’t interact with its customers on a personal level. Some companies worry that stepping up on a social media platform will cost them control of their brand and open them up to complaints and negative publicity. They may also worry that they will be unable to meet the needs of their customers if they did interact with them individually.

Lack of Time and Personnel

While social media strategies can be successful for little financial investment, time and someone “in-the-know” are required for an effective social media campaign. Many business owners simply don’t have the time to learn what they need to know to get involved in social media themselves. And if they do not already have a staff member well-versed in social media who can add a social media focus to their daily work, they may be stuck trying to arrange the logistics before they even reach the starting block.

Belief that It’s a Passing Fad

The number of business owners who state that social media is just a fad often surprises me. These business owners claim that they have no desire to invest any energy in a trend that will be on its way out in the near future. This fear factor is usually precipitated by the lack of understanding listed above, and is common among the same “old school” business owners who are overwhelmed by the vast number of unknowns that come with this new strategy.

If one (or all) of these reasons is relevant to your company or a client who you believe could truly benefit from social media marketing, what can you do to get them over the hurdle? My next post will outline some ways to convince the company that the benefits of social media far outweigh the dangers…and get them excited to start a new social media strategy in their business.

Image credit: amr_safey

Why are companies scared of using social media?

Companies are often scared of using social media due to the fear of negative publicity. They worry that a single negative comment or review can tarnish their reputation. Additionally, the lack of control over what is said about their brand on social media platforms can be intimidating.

How can companies overcome their fear of social media?

Companies can overcome their fear of social media by developing a comprehensive social media strategy. This includes setting clear objectives, identifying target audience, creating engaging content, and monitoring and responding to customer feedback. Regularly reviewing and updating the strategy can also help in managing the risks associated with social media.

What are the benefits of using social media for companies?

Social media offers numerous benefits for companies. It provides a platform for companies to engage with their customers, build brand awareness, and promote their products or services. It also allows companies to gain valuable insights about their customers’ preferences and behaviors, which can be used to improve their offerings.

How can companies manage negative comments or reviews on social media?

Companies can manage negative comments or reviews on social media by responding promptly and professionally. They should acknowledge the issue, apologize if necessary, and offer a solution. This can turn a negative situation into a positive one and show that the company values its customers’ feedback.

How can companies protect their reputation on social media?

Companies can protect their reputation on social media by actively monitoring their social media accounts and responding to any negative comments or reviews promptly and professionally. They should also ensure that their social media posts are accurate and respectful.

What are some common mistakes companies make on social media?

Some common mistakes companies make on social media include not having a clear strategy, not engaging with their audience, posting inappropriate or offensive content, and not responding to negative comments or reviews.

How can companies measure the success of their social media efforts?

Companies can measure the success of their social media efforts by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as the number of followers, engagement rate, and conversion rate. They can also use social media analytics tools to gain deeper insights into their social media performance.

How can companies use social media to improve their customer service?

Companies can use social media to improve their customer service by providing timely and personalized responses to customer inquiries and complaints. They can also use social media to gather customer feedback and use it to improve their products or services.

How can companies ensure their employees use social media responsibly?

Companies can ensure their employees use social media responsibly by providing social media training and establishing clear social media policies. These policies should outline what is considered appropriate behavior on social media and the consequences of violating the policy.

How can companies leverage social media to gain a competitive advantage?

Companies can leverage social media to gain a competitive advantage by using it to engage with their customers, build brand awareness, and promote their products or services. They can also use social media to gather valuable customer insights and stay ahead of market trends.