We all know that social media has become an essential tool for businesses to connect with their customers and promote their products. However, there is a fine line between using social media responsibly and using it to vent frustrations or attack potential customers. In the world of breeders, this line is often blurred.
Imagine you visit your favorite breeder’s social media page, excited to see more about their puppies or kittens or planned breedings. Instead of finding upcoming litter information, you are bombarded with posts complaining about customers, labeling potential buyers as “window shoppers,” “broke,” or “can’t afford.” How would that make you feel as a potential customer? It’s safe to say that it would leave a sour taste in your mouth, and possibly make you less willing to contact them because you are not yet ready to purchase or not wanting to purchase from the current litter. You might get the feeling that they are about to write a post about you next. This is how a lot of potential customers feel when they see negative social media posts about customers.
Let’s talk about why it is unprofessional for breeders to use their business social media platforms to complain about customers and label potential buyers negatively. This will help breeders realize the impact of such behavior on their reputation, customer relationships, and ultimately, their business success.
The Importance of Breeder Professionalism
As a breeder, maintaining professionalism is crucial for the success of your business. Your customers are entrusting you with a living being, and they expect a certain level of respect and professionalism in return. When you go on your business social media and complain about customers or label potential buyers negatively, you are not only damaging your reputation but also alienating potential customers.
The Impact on Reputation
Word travels fast in the age of social media. When you publicly complain about customers or use derogatory language to describe potential buyers, it reflects poorly on your business. People will remember these negative interactions and may choose to avoid your services altogether. Reputation is everything in the world of breeding, and one negative social media post can have long-lasting consequences.
Alienating Potential Customers
Labeling potential customers as “window shoppers,” “broke,” or “can’t afford” is not only unprofessional but also counterproductive. Instead of attracting customers, you are pushing them away. Potential buyers want to feel valued and respected, and negative labels only serve to create a barrier between you and your target audience. It is essential to remember that everyone starts as a potential customer, and treating them with respect and professionalism can lead to fruitful relationships.
The Power of Social Media
Social media has the power to make or break a business. It is a platform where customers can share their experiences and opinions, both positive and negative. By complaining about customers or labeling potential buyers negatively, you are giving them a reason to speak out against your business. Negative reviews and comments can spread like wildfire on social media, damaging your reputation and deterring future customers. It is crucial to use social media as a tool to build positive relationships and showcase the value of your services.
Defending Your Breeding Business Professionally
Defending your business against bad reviews and talking about bad business experiences is acceptable, as long as it is done in a professional manner. However, attacking those who haven’t yet become customers is never the right approach. Let’s discuss how you can defend your business professionally while maintaining a positive image.
Responding to Bad Reviews
When faced with a negative review, it is essential to respond promptly and professionally. Address the customer’s concerns with empathy and offer a solution or explanation. Avoid getting defensive or engaging in a public argument. Remember, potential customers will be watching how you handle these situations, and a professional response can go a long way in mitigating the impact of a negative review.
Sharing Positive Customer Experiences
Instead of focusing on the negative, use your social media platforms to share positive customer experiences. Share testimonials, photos, and stories from happy customers who have purchased puppies or kittens from you. This not only showcases the quality of your breeding program but also creates a positive image for your business. Potential customers are more likely to be drawn to a breeder with a track record of satisfied customers and professional business demeanor.
Educating Potential Buyers
One way to address common concerns or misconceptions about pricing or the breeding process is to educate potential buyers. Use your social media platforms to share informative content about responsible breeding practices, the costs involved, and the value of your puppies or kittens. By providing valuable information and addressing concerns in a respectful manner, you can build trust with potential customers and position yourself as a knowledgeable and professional breeder. This will also give potential customers an idea of the cost of your kittens or puppies, reducing less inquiries from those who have a smaller budget. Since animals sales and the promotion of animal sales are not permitted on most social media platforms, instead share a link from your breeder website or have the link available for viewing on platforms like Linktree.
The Bottom Line
In the competitive world of breeding, professionalism is key to standing out from the crowd and attracting loyal customers. Going on your business social media and complaining about customers or labeling potential buyers negatively is unprofessional and detrimental to your reputation and business success. Instead, focus on maintaining professionalism, defending your business against bad reviews professionally, and educating potential buyers. By doing so, you can build a positive image for your business and establish long-lasting customer relationships.
Remember, breeding is not just a business; it is a passion. Treat your customers with respect, show them the value of your breeding program, and let your professionalism shine through in every interaction. Your customers, both current and potential, deserve nothing less.
