Why Are Big Brands Leaving Social Media and

image: iStock©

Oh my god… the hype of social media is vanishing in 2023.

Big brands are leaving social media, and the trend seems to be gaining momentum. Earlier this year, the luxury fashion house Bottega Veneta announced that it would no longer be posting on Instagram and Facebook. Shortly after, beauty brand Lush followed suit, dropping its presence on Zuckerberg-owned channels in 48 countries. 

With these prominent departures, one can’t help but wonder if this marks the beginning of a significant shift in the marketing landscape. Will your brand be the next to leave social media? Let’s dive into these questions thoroughly and know the absolute truth. 

Why Bottega Veneta and Lush brands left social media.

The decision to step away from social media is critical, while many big brands still depend on social media to generate revenue for their business. On the other hand, the luxury darling, Bottega Veneta, led by creative director Daniel Lee at the start of 2021, made a bold move, removing social media platforms from its marketing activities. 

In an interview with The Guardian, Lee explained the rationale behind this decision, stating, “there is a mood of playground bullying on social media which I don’t really like. I wanted to do something joyful instead… I don’t want to collude in an atmosphere that feels negative.” The desire to escape the negativity associated with social media played a significant role in Bottega Veneta’s departure.

Lush, the renowned beauty brand, echoed similar sentiments as they bid farewell to social media. Last month, Lush’s chief digital officer, Jack Constantine, revealed their decision to abandon various platforms, offering an intriguing perspective. 

Constantine explained, “It is counter-intuitive for us to use platforms that keep you hyper-tense, engaged, and anxious.” This departure from social media aligns with Lush’s commitment to promoting a positive and mindful approach to beauty.

But what does this mean for your brand? Is it time to recreate your social media presence and explore alternative avenues? While social media has undeniably played a critical role in modern marketing.

They are leaving social media, so does it mean they are not doing marketing? Do they need to find customers for their brands? 

The answer is NO. There’s no business that doesn’t need customers. Of Course, they abandoned social media, but they’ve invested heavily in PR to give them authority in front of their existing audience. 

Public Relations (PR) is a powerful alternative for businesses looking to build authority and shape their own stories. By focusing on PR strategies, your brands can create a more personalized and human touch and a legacy for yourself. 

A legacy which will not only help your brand to increase sales but help you build your personal brand as well. We are not saying to reject digital marketing; instead, create a legacy by using PR strategies in your business. Bottega Veneta and Lush are giving a wake-up call for brands to reevaluate their marketing strategies. They are making us question the impact of social media on our well-being and the authenticity of our brand messaging. It may be time to consider whether our marketing efforts are aligned with our values and whether alternative approaches, such as PR, can offer a more fulfilling and effective path to success.

The Limitations of Social Media 

Where we, all addicted to social media, tend to forget there are many limitations there which stop us from growing and increasing business opportunities for our brands. The first limitation is:

Dependence on Algorithms for Organic Reach and Growth

In social media marketing, many big brands have increasingly relied on algorithms to achieve organic reach and growth. Algorithms act as gatekeepers, determining which content is shown to users based on various factors such as engagement, relevancy, and timeliness. While algorithms were initially seen as a means to enhance user experience, they have become crucial factors in a brand’s success on social media platforms.

Decreasing organic reach due to algorithm changes

One of the biggest challenges for businesses on social media is the constant algorithm changes, often decreasing organic reach. What used to work yesterday might not work today. Algorithm updates can drastically impact the visibility of a brand’s content, leading to reduced reach and engagement. Brands must constantly adapt strategies to keep up with these changes and maintain their presence in users’ feeds.

Challenges to stand out from competitors on crowded social platforms

With billions of users and countless brands vying for attention, standing out on social media has become increasingly challenging. The crowded nature of these platforms makes it difficult for brands to capture the attention of their target audience and differentiate themselves from competitors. Creating compelling content, fostering meaningful connections with followers, and employing creative strategies is crucial for brands to break through the noise and make an impact.

Lack of control over the platform’s policies and changes

Brands often need more control over the policies and changes implemented by social media platforms. Algorithm updates, content restrictions, and policy changes can directly impact a brand’s ability to reach its audience effectively. This Lack of control can be frustrating for businesses that invest time, effort, and resources into building their social media presence, only to have it impacted by sudden platform changes.

Negative impact of social media controversies on brand reputation

Social media controversies can have a profound impact on a brand’s reputation. In an era where information travels at lightning speed, a single misstep or negative interaction can quickly escalate, severely damaging a brand’s image. Controversies, negative comments, or viral backlash can tarnish a brand’s reputation, making it challenging to recover consumer trust and loyalty. Navigating social media’s potential pitfalls requires careful monitoring, prompt response, and a solid crisis management strategy to mitigate potential damage.

Businesses must be aware of their challenges in a digital world heavily influenced by algorithms and social media dynamics. Companies can effectively navigate the social media landscape and create meaningful connections with their audience by understanding the dependence on algorithms, adapting to changes, finding ways to stand out, navigating platform policies, and proactively managing brand reputation.

How Starbucks Transformed Themselves Through PR Strategies

Starbucks, a global coffeehouse chain, is an exemplary example of a company that successfully transformed itself through strategic PR strategies. Facing various challenges and controversies in its early years, Starbucks implemented PR initiatives that addressed negative, reshaped its brand image, and positioned the company for long-term success.

Challenges Faced

In the early 2000s, Starbucks faced several challenges. Critics accused the company of driving local coffee shops out of business, and there were concerns about the ethical sourcing of their coffee beans. Additionally, Starbucks experienced a decline in customer satisfaction, leading to negative word-of-mouth and decreased sales.

Their PR Approach

To address these challenges, Starbucks embarked on a comprehensive PR approach that focused on rebuilding trust, enhancing brand reputation, and fostering positive stakeholder relationships. The following PR strategies were instrumental in their transformation:

1) Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability Initiatives

Starbucks prioritized ethical sourcing of coffee beans and implemented sustainability initiatives to address concerns raised by stakeholders. The company engaged in direct trade relationships with farmers, ensuring fair compensation and sustainable farming practices. Through PR campaigns highlighting these efforts, Starbucks demonstrated its commitment to responsible sourcing, which resonated positively with customers and industry stakeholders.

2) Community Engagement and Corporate Social responsibility 

It strongly emphasized community engagement and corporate social responsibility (CSR). They launched initiatives like the Starbucks Foundation, which supports education and youth programs. By partnering with local organizations and engaging in community projects, Starbucks showcased its dedication to making a positive impact beyond its stores. These initiatives garnered positive media coverage and enhanced the brand’s reputation.

3) Transparent Communication and Crisis Management

Starbucks embraced transparent communication and implemented effective crisis management strategies. When faced with controversies, such as the 2018 incident involving racial bias in one of their stores, Starbucks promptly acknowledged the issue, took responsibility and implemented comprehensive training programs to address implicit bias. Their swift and transparent response demonstrated a commitment to rectifying mistakes and rebuilding trust.

4) Results and Impact: The implementation of PR strategies had a transformative impact on Starbucks:

• Improved Brand Perception and Customer Loyalty: Starbucks’ emphasis on ethical sourcing, sustainability, and community engagement significantly improved brand perception. Customers viewed Starbucks as a socially responsible company, leading to increased customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth. The company’s initiatives resonated with consumers, who aligned with Starbucks’ values.
• Strengthened Stakeholder Relationships: Through its CSR initiatives, community engagement, and transparent communication, Starbucks fostered stronger relationships with stakeholders. Customers, employees, and investors perceived Starbucks as an authentic and socially conscious brand, resulting in increased support and loyalty from these critical stakeholders.
• Long-Term Business Growth: The successful PR strategies implemented by Starbucks contributed to long-term business growth. The enhanced brand reputation and positive perception attracted new customers and retained existing ones, driving revenue and profitability. Starbucks also expanded its global presence, solidifying its position as a market leader in the coffee industry.

Starbucks’ transformative journey exemplifies how effective PR strategies can reshape a company’s brand image, rebuild trust, and foster stakeholder relationships. 

By prioritizing ethical sourcing, sustainability, community engagement, and transparent communication, Starbucks successfully transformed its brand perception, increasing customer loyalty and long-term business growth. This case study highlights the power of strategic PR in revitalizing a company’s reputation and positioning it for success in a competitive market.

The long-term value of investing in PR for sustainable growth

Investing in PR brings long-term value to your business by building a solid foundation for sustainable growth. PR efforts focus on establishing a brand reputation, fostering positive relationships, and enhancing credibility. By consistently communicating your brand’s key messages and values, PR helps create a strong brand identity that resonates with your target audience, setting the stage for long-term success and stability. It also gives you many opportunities, which we’ll discuss below: 

1) Establishing a solid brand reputation for future business opportunities

PR plays a crucial role in shaping and maintaining a solid brand reputation. A positive reputation opens doors to future business opportunities, including partnerships, collaborations, and joint ventures. When your brand is known for its integrity, trustworthiness, and industry expertise, potential partners and stakeholders are more likely to engage with you, leading to enhanced business growth and expansion.

2) Generating positive media coverage and increasing brand exposure

One of the primary benefits of PR is its ability to generate positive media coverage, which significantly increases brand exposure. Through strategic media relations, press releases, and story pitching, PR professionals secure media placements that highlight your brand’s unique offerings, accomplishments, and thought leadership. This increased media exposure reaches a broader audience and builds brand credibility and visibility in the eyes of potential customers and industry influencers.

3) Attracting potential investors, partners, and customers

Effective PR strategies help attract potential investors, partners, and customers to your business. By showcasing your expertise, industry knowledge, and positive brand image, PR creates a favorable impression among stakeholders. Investors seek companies with solid reputations and growth potential, while partners and customers are more likely to align themselves with trusted and respected brands. PR is vital in establishing these crucial connections and driving meaningful business relationships.

4) Higher return on investment compared to social media advertising

PR often provides a higher return on investment (ROI) than traditional social media advertising. While social media advertising requires ongoing investments, PR efforts continue to yield benefits long after initial campaigns. Positive media coverage and brand reputation built through PR efforts can have a lasting impact, resulting in increased brand recognition, customer loyalty, and organic growth. This long-term ROI makes PR a cost-effective and impactful marketing strategy for businesses seeking sustainable results.

By leveraging the power of PR, businesses can achieve lasting growth, credibility, and a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while social media has its benefits, it also has limitations, such as algorithm dependence and decreasing organic reach. On the other hand, PR offers businesses greater control over brand narratives, the ability to target specific audiences and leverage media coverage. It provides a more sustainable and practical approach to building brand reputation and credibility.

Today, I’ve shared so many PR secrets with you and with that, I’m inviting you who are reading it right now to explore the potential of leveraging PR for business growth. Get in touch with us today to discover how PR strategies can transform your brand and drive business growth. I’ll guide you towards leveraging PR to build authority, enhance your reputation, and achieve long-term success. Let’s explore the possibilities together and embark on a journey to transform your business through PR.