Lessons for the outdoor industry from the Alex Jones social media ban
Alex Jones is a controversial figure in politics. He is considered by some, a far right wing commentator. A conspiracy theorist by others. This blog post isn’t interested in getting into whether Alex Jones is good or bad, right or wrong. However, this week in what seems to have been a concerted effort by big tech/social media companies to silence his free speech rights, Alex Jones has been banned from most common social media platforms. The thing is, he is not alone. It happens to all of us.
Many of the same companies that are actively banning Alex Jones are also banning and removing content that supports hunting, The second amendment, and even fishing and other wholesome outdoor activities that they deem wrong. YouTube recently removed all of Brownells content from their site. The content was eventually reinstated but still cost them. Many others that are still allowed on a variety of social media platforms have been blackballed and are not allowed to promote their content, even if the content doesn’t violate their policies against the second amendment or other free speech rights. The mere fact that sporting goods stores sell guns as well as other sporting goods, causes Facebook to reject sponsored posts promoting for example a Photos with Santa event.
How can you prevent this type of thing from happening to you?
Diversify your social media presence
As the old saying goes, “Don’t keep all of your eggs in one basket” When marketing your company, whether its an outdoor company or not, its important to diversify your marketing efforts across multiple channels. Not only does this keep you from loosing your audience if your content does get banned or removed for some reason, but it also allows you to reach people you might not other wise reach.
Social media is ever changing. Facebook users are declining but they’ve also changed drastically. Facebook was once targeted at young consumers, but that age demographic is changing. More and more older Americans are turning to Facebook while younger demographics are turning to instagram and other platforms.
We can help you create content and manage your social media presence and diversifying your social media portfolio helps, but as is the case with Alex Jones, a concerted effort among multiple platforms essentially wiped out his entire social media presence. What else can you do?
Websites and Blogs
While social media is the rage, do not underestimate the power of a well designed website. Especially a blog. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a social media presence. In fact blog posts on your own website where you have more creative freedom, make great content for your social media profiles. They also aren’t limited by length or design. You are in the driver seat so you control your users experience. Blog posts help keep your audience aware of the latest happenings with your company or organization. If you need a website, We’ve got you covered or Riverbank Products can help you create content for your existing blog/website.
Build Relationships
The thing about social media platforms is that they are intend to be social. To pull a reference from my favorite book, the bible says in Proverbs 18:24, “ A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” The same goes for consumers. Social media should be but one tool in your bag to help build a relationship with customers. Build their trust, get to know them. Host an event or sponsor a local event. With each sponsored event you participate in, make sure you actually participate. Make sure a representative from your company is there in person to shake a hand and answer questions. Serve hot dogs at your store. No matter what business you are in, we’re all in the service industry so serve others whole heartedly. This builds trust in the market and will hands down be better than any social media post you can possibly make.
These are just a few of my impressions and take aways. I’m sure there are others and I’d be glad to help you talk over some ideas for your business. For additional information on how Riverbank Products can help you and your organization, Contact me I’d love to help your business succeed.