Sometimes, businesses just do not get what social networking can offer to them and with it is all about.
When I had the idea for this comic, I was thinking about what Ronald could do to really damage a brand like McDonalds.
There are many examples of a business or a corporation jumping headfirst into using social networking tools, to try to market themselves or create buzz about their brand.
There are also many examples of businesses trying to steer social streams towards themselves, or attempting to flog their products inappropriately within a community conversation.
Rather than using the available networks and their flow maximise their brand & build a community, they attempt to control what is happening to suit their own purposes.
Many businesses are also scared by the real-time feedback that is possible through avenues such as twitter & facebook. They may even attempt to control what is said about them, which is nearly impossible in a public forum such as the internet.
When businesses or corporations make mistakes in an online environment, the results can be quick, long lasting and damaging to their brand.
What do you think about corporations using social media platforms?
Does it enhance or detract from their images and goals?.
3 Comments
If a company is just using social media b/c they think they can exploit the system with free marketing then they will be in trouble. If they go in with a plan to accept and fix potential complaints about their product or service then they can be successful.
True. Unfortunately a lot just “do the social media thing” without paying attention to what they are doing.
I tweeted recently about the failings of http://www.twitter.com/eventcinemas.
I was open and even offered my contact info if they wished to respond.
But, I have now determined that they do not monitor replies on their twitter account.
It is all just a one-sided marketing channel for them.
Just another example of a business not taking the time to understand what they have entered into.
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by @SarahJL and Ata Alqadi, News, Status & T. News, Status & T said: Sometimes, businesses misunderstand how to use Twitter: [comic] http://j.mp/51KiF0 […]