Bashtagging Starbucks

Even large brands are not above the social media "law". A recent hashtag campaign {#SpreadTheCheer} by the coffee giant Starbucks backfired in the UK and turned into brand bashing, when tweets began to turn toward the company's recent headlines regarding its tax status from 2011.

 

The key to strategic marketing if faced with an issue of brand bashing is to be honest, be upfront and be responsive. Make sure that your customers are given full disclosure and if you make a mistake, admit it and offer to make up for the mistake. Your customers will appreciate you much more than if you delete comments and try to hide the error. 

See the full Starbucks story here, via Mashable.