Get All Access for $5/mo

When Dealing With Negative Comments Online, Be Kind, Compassionate and Diplomatic Join our live discussion about best digital marketing tips with experts Jason Falls and John Jantsch, hosted by Entrepreneur's Jason Fell.

By Jason Fell

For brands, receiving comments over social media can be a double-edged sword. In one way, it's a fast and useful way to get feedback about what you're doing well and constructive criticism about what you can be doing better. On the other hand, it can be an outlet for people to bash your brand -- sometimes without provocation.

"When you get negative comments over your social-media channels, marketing consultant John Jantsch recommends business owners "be kind, compassionate and diplomatic," when dealing with "haters."

"I have a one-and-done policy," said Jantsch, founder of the Duct Tape Marketing Consultant Network. "Every now and then I get something from left field and I'll always respond, but only one time."

We chatted with Jantsch and digital marketing expert Jason Falls in the fifth installment of our Google Hangout Series, "The Best Marketing Advice You're Not Following." Falls is founder of Louisville, Ky.-based digital marketing consulting service Social Media Explorer and vice president of digital strategy at e-retailer CafePress.

When you get a negative comment you should avoid any initial reaction to simply delete it. "Should negative comments be removed? Not without responding to the customer's concern," Falls said. "Then you can remove it later."

If your problem is that you aren't getting enough comments over social media -- either positive or negative -- Falls recommends slowing down on the marketing messages, show your brand's personality and have an opinion on topics. Just know your limits with your followers.

"The best way to get people to engage more is to stir shit up," he said. "Take a stand and let people react to it."

Jason Fell

Entrepreneur Staff

VP, Native Content

Jason Fell is the VP of Native Content, managing the Entrepreneur Partner Studio, which creates dynamic and compelling content for our partners. He previously served as Entrepreneur.com's managing editor and as the technology editor prior to that.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Starting a Business

He Started a Business That Surpassed $100 Million in Under 3 Years: 'Consistent Revenue Right Out of the Gate'

Ryan Close, founder and CEO of Bartesian, had run a few small businesses on the side — but none of them excited him as much as the idea for a home cocktail machine.

Franchise

The Top 10 Coffee Franchises in 2024

From a classic cup of joe to a creamy latte, grab your favorite mug and get ready to brew up success with the best coffee franchises.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Marketing

How Small Businesses Can Leverage Dark Social to Drive Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Dark social accounts for 70% of social media shares and is crucial for small businesses. Here's how you can tap into this hidden marketing opportunity.

Business News

'Jaw-Dropping Performance in 2024,' Says a Senior Analyst as Nvidia Reports Earnings

Nvidia reported its highly-anticipated third-quarter earnings on Wednesday.

Business News

'Do You Sell Cars?': Tesla CEO Elon Musk Trolls Jaguar Rebrand on X

The team running Jaguar's X account was working hard on social media this week.