When Social-Media Marketing Turns Anti-Social

The social media bandwagon is an irresistible siren to many marketers and advertisers because it’s too easy and alluring as a means to communicate with consumers. However, attempts to woo the customer can alienate them instead of strengthening the bond.

A recent study on social media conducted by Relevation Research found that 52 percent of U.S. online consumers older than 16 have “liked,” “followed” or “subscribed to” a company/brand via social networking.

“But close to a third of these later turn around and dump the companies/brands with which they initially forged a relationship,” Revelation notes. “After distancing themselves from the brand on social media, many report they then view the brand more negatively, shop/visit it less often and wind up spending less. Males are quicker to make the break than females and to regard the brand more negatively after the break.”

The single biggest reason for the break up is the brand coming on too strong — the brand pushed too hard and got clingy with excessive posts, tweets or other communications.

”Failure to deliver on a promise of deals and failure to engage or offer value via communications are other leading brand break-up catalysts,” the survey found. “Consumers also cite the old ‘it wasn’t you, it was me’ as a reason for dumping the brand — meaning consumers lost interest in the topic, were never interested and only signed up at a friend’s request or pruned their circle.”

"At present, marketers are too cavalier, and even abusive, with their approach to social media relationships because it’s a powerful tool which can pay off but only if used thoughtfully," comments Nan Martin, managing director at Relevation Research. "It’s that very thin line between courting and annoying. Right now some brands are effectively drawing people in, but then undermining their equity by what happens next with their social media activity."

For more information about this survey, click here.