There are several business social media issues that businesses have had to contend with in recent years. This is because social media is a new tool that companies of all sizes were learning how to use for the first time. Now that social media is no longer a passing fad, how does social media influence the business world now and into the future?
Companies Need to Think Before They Speak
Anything that is placed on the Internet is going to stay there forever. Even if a tweet is deleted, that tweet could still be seen and shared by millions of people before it is taken down. A message that goes viral could propel a company to new heights or crush it in a matter of hours. This is true whether a business owner or executive writes his or her own tweets or has someone else write them in his or her name.
Social Media Is a Boon for Smaller Companies
Millions of people use social media each day. This gives smaller companies a platform that they can use to reach customers without having to spend a lot of money. Social media software programs can help companies organize followers, send out automatic tweets or status updates and respond to followers within a matter of minutes. These programs may be free or cost only a few dollars a month to use.
Respond to Customers Within Minutes
Customers expect that their questions or concerns will be addressed within seconds or minutes of making their queries. While it may not be possible to respond to every social media message instantly, the ability to do so puts added pressure on a business. If you don’t respond in a timely manner to a customer or any other follower, your company could be seen as dismissive or aloof. As with any other botched customer interaction, the company also risks that customer telling his or her friends to avoid doing business with it.
Social Media Makes it Easier to Share Content
Companies can integrate share buttons on their website to make it easier for site visitors to share blog posts or other content from the site. Although a social share doesn’t guarantee an additional sale, it could lead to more followers and increased brand awareness for the company. Content that is shared or mentioned on social media platforms may also increase the SEO value of that page. Therefore, companies can no longer go without a website or a strong social media presence if they want to survive.
There are many issues that companies have to deal with thanks to social media. Although social media makes it easier to engage customers and increase brand awareness, it can also have negative consequences for a company. All it takes is one inconsiderate tweet or status update to cause customers to abandon a company that was previously successful. If your company has a social media account, it needs to take all business social media issues into account to ensure it is of maximum benefit for the company.