Why Your CEO Should Embrace Social Media

by Elisabeth Mach

​The emergence of social media in the 21st century has significantly altered the ways businesses can interact with consumers. When businesses utilise social media as part of their marketing strategy, they can increase brand awareness in a low cost and effective way. Moreover, in today’s competitive landscape it is essential that not only your company uses social media, but that your CEO is also engaged. A CEO who uses social media can make their company seem truly unique and desirable.

​Here are some reasons why: 

The CEO becomes the face of the brand
Interacting with consumers on social media enables CEO’s to become the face of their brand. CEO’s who make themselves known rather than avoiding the public eye appear more approachable and relatable. When CEO’s create an online presence that reflects their likeable traits and maintains their positive reputation, they can improve their brand image and that of their company. If consumers associate an influential and successful person with a brand, it makes the brand appear more credible and authentic.  

Social media creates conversation
In addition to promoting their brand, CEO’s can use social media to share their thoughts, opinions, and knowledge on a wide variety of topics. Consumers are interested in more than just the products and services a company has to offer. The general public cares about what people in powerful positions, such as CEO’s, have to say. When celebrities or people of high authority engage in industry topics and debates online, people are quick and eager to react and engage with the content. 

Stakeholders feel like they matter 
Additionally, CEO’s should understand  how to use various social media platforms effectively and successfully. The social media spokespeople for your brand need to actively engage with their stakeholders and know the kind of topics which they will be receptive to. They should respond to necessary comments, especially those that are negative and coming from people of high influence. It is wise to express appreciation for loyal customers so that the customers feel like they matter to you and your company. Know how to admit to the audience when you are wrong and strategically determine the best way to move forward in times of crisis. 

Social media reiterates your brand image and sparks interest 
It is important to not spread yourself too thin across all the different social media platforms. You need to be strategic and use a select few social media outlets which allow you to maintain a dialogue with your stakeholders and reflect your brand image. Any message you send out on every platform needs to be consistent with your brand. Engaging with the audience frequently will help you gain trust and spark interest in your company.

Social media is a tool that can be extremely advantageous to CEO’s and businesses who use it correctly. By having a presence on social media, CEO’s can benefit their business by positively shaping their brand’s image. It’s 2018, so there’s no longer any excuse:  if consumers all over the world actively engage with social media, then your CEO should too.