Twitter Blunders Businesses Should Avoid
Social media provides companies with an opportunity to reach millions of potential consumers and engage with their current customers. Platforms such as Twitter are hugely popular and widely used by businesses as an effective way of promoting their brand, creating relationships, and featuring content. But Twitter blunders by businesses can cause embarrassment and damage to a brand’s reputation.
Therefore, it is important that businesses ensure their Twitter accounts are used correctly and know what mistakes to avoid. This article looks at Twitter blunders businesses should be aware of and the steps they should take to avoid making mistakes that could lead to a negative brand image.
What is a Twitter Blunder?
A blunder is essentially a mistake or an error. In relation to Twitter, blunders are a mistake businesses make in terms of their use of the platform. This can involve anything from tweeting the wrong content, to not following the platform’s Terms and Conditions. Blunders can reflect and damage a company’s brand and potentially harm its reputation.
Common Twitter Blunders for Businesses
There are a number of common mistakes businesses make that constitute a Twitter blunder. These are:
• Not customising your profile: The profile of a Twitter account must be customised in order for it to look professional. This involves creating a customised profile image, writing a bio, and filling out the website URL field.
• Failing to use Hashtags: Hashtags let users group similar content together for others to find. When used effectively, hashtags can be an effective way for companies to attract more followers and increase exposure of their brand.
• Not responding to users: A company’s failure to respond to users on Twitter shows a lack of engagement. Companies should ensure they respond to any questions asked by followers, as well as advice and suggestions.
• Not following other users: Engagement with users is key on Twitter and involves both sending and receiving messages. Companies should actively follow other users and tweet content in relation to their brand.
• Not tweeting regularly: It is essential that a company tweets regularly in order to maintain engagement with followers. Companies need to engage their followers with content and interact with other users.
• Posting irrelevant tweets: The content that companies tweet must be relevant to their brand. Irrelevant content risks alienating followers and can lead to a negative reputation for a business.
• Being too formal: Twitter is a casual platform and companies need to adopt an informal tone for their tweets. It is ok to be friendly and personable, as long as it is not unprofessional.
• Inappropriate content: Companies must be aware not to post content that could be seen as inappropriate or offensive. This could be in relation to race, religion, politics, etc.
• Not using visuals: It is essential that a company uses visuals in their tweets, such as images, videos and GIFs. Visuals gain more attention and engagement than plain text.
• Tweeting too much: The frequency of tweets should be limited and not too frequent. Companies should tweet every 1 to 4 hours and limit the amount they post each day.
• Automatic direct messages: Companies should steer clear of automated direct messages. These messages provide an impersonal experience to the user and can leave a bad impression.
Why are Twitter Blunders Unacceptable for Businesses?
Twitter blunders are unacceptable for businesses for the following reasons:
• Damage brand reputation: Twitter blunders can lead to a damaged brand reputation, as well as causing embarrassment for businesses. Companies must be aware of the potential consequences their actions could have on their brand.
• Negative feedback from followers: Blunders can lead to negative feedback from customers and potential loss of followers. Companies must be aware of the content being posted and not make any mistakes that could deem them or the company to be untrustworthy or unreliable.
• Loss in customers: Damaged reputation and loss of followers can directly correlated to a loss of customers. Any Twitter blunder can have an immediate impact on a company’s success.
• Loss in revenue: If a company loses customers and followers due to an unacceptable Twitter blunder, there is likely to be a decrease in revenue. This can have long lasting impacts on a business.
How Can Businesses Avoid Making Twitter Blunders?
Businesses who want to avoid making Twitter blunders should follow the steps below:
• Know the Twitter Terms & Conditions: Companies should understand Twitter’s Terms & Conditions and use the platform as it was intended. They should also be aware of any recent updates and changes, in order to ensure they are using the platform correctly.
• Be aware of the content posted: Companies need to ensure any content they post is relevant, non-offensive and appropriate. They should regularly review the content they have posted and be aware of the potential impact it could have on their brand.
• Know your target audience: When posting content companies should consider their target audience. They should ensure the content appeals to their customers and could potentially increase engagement.
• Check for typos and grammar: Basic mistakes such as typos and errors in grammar can be seen as unprofessional and reflect badly on a company’s brand. Companies should always proof-read and check for mistakes before posting any content.
• Have someone else check: More than one person should be responsible for the content that is posted. Having someone else review the content before it is posted is a useful practice and can help to avoid any mistakes which could be an embarrassment.
• Have an issue management plan: Companies should have an issue management plan in place in case any mistakes are made on Twitter. This should involve deleting the tweet and apologising to anyone affected by it.
Social media is an essential tool for businesses when it comes to engaging with consumers. However, businesses must be aware of Twitter blunders that might damage their brand and harm their reputation. Companies should use Twitter in a way which reflects positively on their brand and adhere to the platform’s Terms & Conditions. They should also ensure their account is customised to give a professional image and engage with followers in an appropriate manner. Lastly, businesses should have an issue management plan ready in case a mistake is made on Twitter.