Boo! Halloween season is a time for ghost stories, pumpkin carving, and frighteningly bad social media marketing strategies. That’s right, folks. As the veil between worlds thins, we’re not just talking about ghouls and goblins. We’re here to discuss some truly horrifying social media blunders brands have committed, turning their digital presence into an absolute nightmare.
The Zombie Post: Posting Without Purpose
Imagine walking down a dark, deserted road and suddenly surrounded by zombies—aimlessly wandering with no purpose. That’s how your audience feels when they see your aimless posts that serve no purpose. Remember, every post should fit into your overall strategy.
Take the case of DiGiorno Pizza, which once used a trending hashtag without understanding its context, leading to a major PR disaster. They used the #WhyIStayed hashtag, intended for survivors of domestic violence, to promote their pizza. Yikes!
Trick or Treat?
Always research before you leap, especially when it comes to hashtags. Make sure your posts align with your brand’s message and campaign objectives.
The Ghost Account: Neglecting Your Social Media
Think of an abandoned haunted house, cobwebs hanging, dust covering everything—that’s what a neglected social media account looks like. Ignoring your audience, not posting regularly, or lacking engagement can kill your online presence.
For instance, remember when RadioShack vanished from Twitter for a year after filing for bankruptcy? Their sudden disappearance left followers in the dark and confused.
Trick or Treat?
Consistency is key. Keep your content calendar filled with engaging posts, and remember to interact with your audience regularly.
The Frankenstein Monster: Inconsistent Branding
Inconsistent branding is like a Frankenstein monster—parts and pieces stitched together without harmony. If your Instagram aesthetic doesn’t match your Facebook or Twitter, it confuses your audience.
A classic example is Applebee’s social media fiasco, where their tone drastically shifted from family-friendly to trying-too-hard-to-be-cool, which confused and alienated their audience.
Trick or Treat?
Ensure your branding is consistent across all platforms. A consistent brand voice and aesthetic can make your brand recognizable and memorable.
The Vampire Post: Sucking the Life Out of Your Audience
Vampire posts keep taking from your audience without giving back—constantly promoting your products or services without providing any value. It’s like a vampire sucking your followers’ life (or, in this case, interest) out.
A famous example is the Royal Dutch Airlines’ tweet during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which was perceived as offensive by many followers. The airline had to delete the post and apologize.
Trick or Treat?
Balance promotional content with valuable, engaging content. Remember, social media is a two-way street.
In conclusion, avoid these spine-chilling social media horrors to keep your brand’s digital presence from turning into a Halloween horror story. Remember, the goal is to treat your audience, not trick them.
So, this Halloween, let’s promise to banish these ghouls from our social media strategy, shall we?
