I was in a meeting with a client’s staff going over the training agenda for the month when one of the younger members of the group mentioned how upset he was to find the person Tweeting for his favorite Golf brand did nothing but post links to the same product over and over. This resulted in him following the brand and influencing his contacts to do the same. What took place is what is taking place on a large scale across all social and business networks. This young man lost total confidence in that brand resulting in him changing his loyalty to another brand. He concluded with…
I’m not trusting any of the Logo People anymore.
Logo vs Photo
Yes, this is a prime example of how social media really works …and the power of Twitter as a social networking tool. It seems many business people want to hide behind a Logo and take for granted the logo will generate a large following which in their minds should equate to huge sales. Unfortunately, the Logo People did not get the memo telling them ‘they aren’t in Kansas anymore’.
In a recent study I did amongst my clients and social networking club followers over 70% report they are turning away from following anyone on any of the social networking platforms if they post a Logo or anything other than a clear self photo. Over 60% report not being attracted to the logo’s when going through a list of contacts to choose someone to follow or when reading posts on Twitter even thought they see it probably is a real person posting the content.
Landscape Changed
What also was found was a growing explanation on why many say they are blocking or unfollowing Logo People. Seems there is a growing level of scams being launched from accounts posting a slick logo. Recent reports in the news media outline an uncontrolled large increase of scams being played out everywhere online. The recent issues Twitter experienced with hackers targeting accounts posting a logo and turning their posts to being posts to their links to deceptive business ventures did untold damage to many misguided businesses who post logos . The landscape of social media changed instantly.
Branding Less Trustworthy
As social networking changes to mandate trustworthiness to be allowed into the network, so changes social media. Old school marketing is failing quickly and really has lost any footing online. Placing a Brand or Logo as a sign of business is now looked at my the consumers as a possible shield for deception to hide behind. Having 50k followers on Twitter or 7k friends on Facebook now sends out an even stronger negative message to the public which is not the message the brand or business is wanting.
For the Logo People who missed the memo or feel denial is their strong suit, here is the headline of the message that is now on page one..
Trust: Without it you are not doing business
I say to the Logo People out there..
Hey, why not turn that iPhone around and snap a photo to post on your Twitter account before you are using the device to Tweet your bankrupt notice.
Carry on..and let me know how I can help.
This also goes for those who post only via an API. If your first page of twitter postings doesn't have any replies to your followers or following list, or retweets, it indicates a lack of a person behind the keyboard as well.
I had never considered the scam angle of using a logo. As I think about it, early on I followed big golf brands on Twitter, forgot about them after it seemed most looked at is as just another advertising outlet, and eventually unfollowing them. Now, if a “logo” that I don't personally know follows me, I don't summarily block them, but almost unconsciously don't give a second look. My time is too valuable. I suppose I simply see them as a marketer and yes, even a scammer.
If I were looking for some sort of partnership while perusing my followers, I believe you're right, I would not look at most of the logo people. There are only a few I recognize, by that I mean they cause me to look at them. That's only because I have personal knowledge of the person behind the logo or the logo has had a conversation or two with me.
Thought provoking post. The Force is strong in this one.
Alan,
How ironic..your photo is not posted on this comment. Strange, it wa there on the last comment..lol
I agree with the business partnering with Logo People..or do business with them in any manor since lack of self confidence, insecurity and self respect enough to post a photo is not a sign of a strong character trait. Hopefully more attention to this issue will draw them to realize what they are doing is working against them.
Paul,
As always, a plesure to have you join in here. yes, BOT's are still out there and makes the internet less valuable in the social media front. We can hope that more people will espose those Non-People so more of the newbies to La-La-Land can avoid the pothole on the information highway these predators have created…kinda the IED of the Internet.