Long gone are the days of calling an automated customer service hotline, only to listen to stale elevator music and stay on hold for half an hour. Now, brands are expected to address issues as they arise online. While this is great for the customer, many brands are left feeling uneasy about this change.
Here are our thoughts on developing Customer Service on Social Media:
Love: Brands can address issues promptly to diffuse the situation
- If a customer is especially upset, addressing the problem and then taking the conversation offline can resolve the issue.
- Always offer an apology. The best way to ensure a return visit or purchase, however, is to accompany that apology with a reward of some sort.
Hate: All negative comments are revealed, leaving your brand's downfalls exposed to the public
Love: The public nature of a brand's reputation, both online and through word-of-mouth, forces brands to be proactive in the image they are portraying in the community
- If your staff knows that their poor service will go noticed, this could provide enough incentive to prevent future problems.
Hate: Social Media platforms allow for brands to delete negative comments, which makes it difficult to assess a brand's trustworthiness
Love: Addressing these negative sentiments can improve your brand's credibility and likeability
- Responding to negative comments quickly decreases the chances of future negativity from the same customer.
- Other fans and followers will see these issues being addressed and will know that their opinions are valued.
Still feeling uneasy about providing customer service online? Let us help. Learn more about our Social Media Builder Program and how Your Social Move can help your brand grow.