The Steps Businesses Can Take to Avoid a Serious Social-Media Blunder (Infographic) Here's what companies can learn from DiGiorno Pizza's Twitter mistake and misappropriation of #WhyIStayed.
By Nina Zipkin
DiGiorno Pizza has become the latest company needing to take an apology tour in the wake of some misused social media.
Following former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice's termination, hashtag #WhyIStayed, began trending on Twitter, as abuse survivors took to the micro-blogging platform to share their stories.
Related: 5 Social Media Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
DiGiorno found itself in hot water after it tweeted a joke about pizza using the hashtag, without knowing the meaning behind it.
The company quickly deleted the tweet and apologized several times over, but the lesson here for all companies -- no matter their size or influence -- is clear: Stay informed and pay attention because context is key.
A million apologies. Did not read what the hashtag was about before posting.
— DiGiorno Pizza (@DiGiornoPizza) September 9, 2014
Related: 12 Social Media Mistakes That Entrepreneurs Make
An infographic from 360 Public Relations lays out what companies should do if they have to handle a social-media snafu, in particular, common sense tips like letting people vent their frustration and anger, and quickly and publicly acknowledging your mistake.
For more on the subject take a look at the suggestions below.