As small-business owners operating in the fast-paced world of social media, our platforms serve as an essential avenue for connecting with our target audience, sharing our stories, and promoting our products or services. With so much information out there on the internet, it’s necessary to be cautious and discerning about what we post online. Being mindful of our online presence can help protect our reputation and ensure we are presenting ourselves in the best possible light.
Maintaining a positive and professional online presence is key to building trust and credibility with your audience. It’s important to remember that once something is out there on the internet, it’s pretty much impossible to erase completely. Remember to think twice before hitting that “share” button, and always consider the potential consequences of your online actions.
So, how can you actively prevent the unintentional spread of false information? Let’s explore a few suggestions.
Verify Your Sources
Misinformation runs rampant online, making fact-checking an absolute priority. Before sharing any content on your company’s social media platforms, it’s necessary to verify the accuracy of the information. While we all crave engagement and shares, authenticity should always be a top priority. A useful tool for fact-checking is Snopes, which helps verify the accuracy of stories, especially those concerning politics, news, or celebrities. When it comes to statistics, Statista is a reliable source of information.
The Perils of Unverified Posts
Apart from spreading misinformation, there is a risk of posts being altered after publication. Imagine this scenario: scammers creating posts about missing pets or children, only to alter the content at a later stage, perhaps to sell or promote a product that you had no intention of endorsing. This leaves you oblivious to the changes. This highlights how important it is to pay close attention to the original sources of the content we share, especially when talking about sensitive or urgent issues.
This kind of precaution is not only a sign of accountability but also a defense against unintentionally spreading false information. It helps in halting the spread of falsehoods, gossip, and myths that could be detrimental to you or your brand.
Balancing Professional and Personal Use
In contrast to posting and sharing on social media platforms as a casual user, using social media as a business requires a different type of focus. As small business owners, we must recognize the weight of our digital footprint and the impact it has on our brand’s credibility.
Fortunately, a variety of online and offline resources exist to help in crafting high-quality social media content that is accurate, engaging, and informative. By using these resources effectively, you can ensure that your online presence accurately reflects the values and professionalism of your business.
Using MYOB for Social Media Success
When it comes to navigating the intricacies of sharing compelling and accurate content, a business like MYOB can be an invaluable ally. Our team of experienced social media managers and writers works together with small business owners to craft and share content that captivates and informs. From empowering you to curate engaging posts to providing insights into your audience’s preferences, our team will equip you with the means to foster an authentic and trustworthy online presence.
Over to You!
In today’s ever-changing social media world, it is especially important to be cautious about what you post. Remember that every post you create and share represents your brand.
What strategies do you use to ensure your social media content is both authentic and reliable?
Written by: Jennifer Hanford, MYOB Blogger