We’re living in an era of distrust. It’s all fake news.
We’re all becoming worn down, cynical and jaded. Who know’s what’s real anymore. Everyone is looking for the bias, the agenda, the lie.
You’re probably thinking why am I writing this blog, what’s my agenda, it’s got to be fake news?
Honestly…I’ve been feeling bad because I haven’t blogged in a while, I just got sent an interesting social media report and I thought that other people would be interested in the headlines. Phew, feel’s good to get that off my chest!
A recent social media study in the States produced a headline result which said that 86% of consumers think that transparency from businesses is more important than ever before.
When consumers talk about transparency, they are using words like trust, openness, authenticity, integrity, communication and clarity. They want to believe you but you have got to be straight with them. Consumers need to be on it these days and you better believe that they can spot the exaggeration, the deliberately confusing message, the misleading deal.
Establishing trust with consumers leads to long term relationships. And that’s what we’re all looking for.
There are big rewards out there for transparent businesses. The report found that when brands are transparent and develop a history of transparency, nearly nine in 10 people are more likely to give them second chances after bad experiences and 85% are more likely to stick with them during crises.
More than half of consumers (53%) are likely to consider brands that are transparent on social media for their next purchase. However, a lack of transparency on social leaves 86% of people likely to take their business to a competitor.
Transparency is good for your customers, it’s good for your business and it’s good for the soul. We should all do it!