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Social media platforms have greatly changed the way that companies and their audiences interact with each other lately. On one hand, these platforms have allowed companies to clearly demonstrate their excellent customer service through direct dialogue. However, on the other hand, the same platforms can create a PR crisis in a matter of a few minutes if a company chooses to ignore negative comments. Although many find it intimidating to respond to any sort of negativity on social media platforms because even a single wrong sentence can cause a situation to spin out of control and turn into a full-blown PR crisis, it’s important to respond anyway. There are a few reasons why companies should always strive to respond to all comments they receive, both positive and negative, however, simply ignoring negative comments is always a bad choice.

Perception

One of the reasons why companies should always strive to respond to the negative consumer feedback or negative comments they receive in general is because this way, they’re able to build up a more positive public perception. All negative public comments from consumers on social media platforms have a direct impact on consumer behavior, even if a company might be someone’s favorite brand. When a company decides to ignore the negative comments, it appears to be dismissing any consumer concerns because the business doesn’t care about the consumers at the end of the day. However, when a company does respond to such negativity through insight and professionalism, it can turn that negative into a positive experience for that potential consumers, while showing the rest of the target audience that the company really cares about all its consumers equally, in a public setting that anyone can see.

 

Trust

Another reason why companies should be responding to the negative comments they receive on social media platforms is to demonstrate that they are accountable for any mistakes that they make and build more trust with the consumers. All consumers tend to be interested in the way that a company handles negative comments or reviews, which means the interaction isn’t between the consumer and the business, as everyone else that comes across the comment is now also a participant in the situation. When a company is willing to publicly address any negativity it can show that it’s truly dedicated to providing outstanding customer service to all members of its target audience.

Marketing

Finally, the last reason why companies should be responding to negative comments on social media platforms is to be able to generate positive word-of-mouth marketing. When a company is able to properly and professionally respond to a negative comment, the rest of the target audience is going to be satisfied or even happy with that response, showing that the company cares about their needs. This makes consumers a lot more likely to share all of their positive experiences with the company on social media platforms too, which can be used to further increase the confidence and trust in the business.

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Ronn Torossian is the Founder & Chairman of 5W Public Relations, one of the largest independently owned PR firms in the United States. Since founding 5WPR in 2003, he has led the company's growth and vision, with the agency earning accolades including being named a Top 50 Global PR Agency by PRovoke Media, a top three NYC PR agency by O'Dwyers, one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces and being awarded multiple American Business Awards, including a Stevie Award for PR Agency of the Year. With over 25 years of experience crafting and executing powerful narratives, Torossian is one of America's most prolific and well-respected public relations executives. Throughout his career he has advised leading and high-growth businesses, organizations, leaders and boards across corporate, technology and consumer industries. Torossian is known as one of the country's foremost experts on crisis communications. He has lectured on crisis PR at Harvard Business School, appears regularly in the media and has authored two editions of his book, "For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations," which is an industry best-seller. Torossian's strategic, resourceful approach has been recognized with numerous awards including being named the Stevie American Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, the American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year, twice over, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist, a Top Crisis Communications Professional by Business Insider, Metropolitan Magazine's Most Influential New Yorker, and a recipient of Crain's New York Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Outside of 5W, Torossian serves as a business advisor to and investor in multiple early stage businesses across the media, B2B and B2C landscape. Torossian is the proud father of two daughters. He is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and a board member of multiple not for profit organizations.