As we celebrate Social Media Month and look forward to World Social Media Day on June 30th, it’s crucial to reflect not only on what we should do but also on what we should avoid doing on social media. Navigating the social media landscape responsibly means understanding the pitfalls and steering clear of actions that can damage your brand’s reputation. Here’s a guide on what not to do, complete with examples to illustrate each point.
Avoid partisan political endorsements.
Endorsing political candidates or parties can alienate a portion of your audience and create unnecessary division. Especially now, in 2024, an election year in full force globally, it is necessary for brands to maintain a neutral attitude regarding political positions.
Don’t exploit Pride Month.
We are in June, that is PRIDE month, and for this reason we prioritize this recommendation. While supporting the LGBTQ+ community is important, using Pride Month solely for marketing purposes without genuine commitment it’s not nice and can backfire.
Example: Several brands have been criticized for “rainbow-washing”-changing their logos to rainbow colors during Pride Month without supporting the LGBTQ+ community through policies or actions:
No sensitive topic jokes.
Making jokes about sensitive topics like politics, LGBTQ+ issues, or social justice movements can easily backfire and harm your brand’s reputation.
Don’t ignore current events.
Posting irrelevant or overly promotional content without acknowledging significant current events can come across as tone-deaf.
Avoid controversial opinions.
Refrain from sharing controversial personal opinions or content that could be divisive, especially during heightened political and social awareness periods.
Don’t neglect community management.
Ensure timely and thoughtful responses to comments and messages. Ignoring your audience during sensitive times can lead to negative perceptions.
Avoid overloading with hashtags.
Using excessive or inappropriate hashtags to hijack trending topics related to elections, Pride Month, or significant events can be seen as opportunistic. As in the DiGiorno Pizza example above, using the wrong hashtag can have serious consequences.
No stereotyping or generalizations.
Avoid using stereotypes or making generalizations about any group, especially in content related to Pride Month or political issues.
Don’t be silent on important issues.
While avoiding controversy is important, complete silence on critical issues can also be detrimental. Balance your content with appropriate and genuine support for relevant causes.
Our conclusion.
Navigating social media responsibly involves not only knowing what to do but also being acutely aware of what not to do. By avoiding sensitive topics online and significant mistakes, you can maintain a positive and respectful brand presence.
Let’s commit to using our platforms wisely, making thoughtful decisions, and contributing positively to the social media landscape.
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Originally published at https://subsign.co on June 17, 2024.
