How to Respond to Negative Comments on Email, Social Media, or Blogs
Created on 3 July, 2024 • Scale Up Business • 22 views • 3 minutes read
In this article, we're going to talk about how to respond to negative comments on email, social media, or blogs. We chose this topic for a reason. Nowadays, negative comments are widespread across social media, blogs, and even emails.
In this article, we're going to talk about how to respond to negative comments on email, social media, or blogs. We chose this topic for a reason. Nowadays, negative comments are widespread across social media, blogs, and even emails.
Many of these negative comments lead to arguments and even societal divisions. There are plenty of examples in Indonesia, which should serve as valuable lessons for all of us.
As internet or email marketers, we interact directly with social media, blogs, and emails. If we're not careful, our posts can trigger negative comments. Just look at the Instagram accounts of celebrities or public officials in this country. Even when they post something positive, there are still many haters who leave negative comments.
Especially if we respond inappropriately, the situation will only escalate, and we will be the ones who suffer. The brand or personal brand we are building can be jeopardized due to inappropriate responses to negative comments.
This article is related to that topic, but it focuses specifically on how to respond to negative comments.
How to Respond to Negative Comments on Email, Social Media, or Blogs
The principles for responding to negative comments on email, social media, or blogs are the same. We don’t differentiate between responses for email, social media, or blogs. One flexible response can be applied to all three platforms.
Here are six ways to respond to negative comments on email, social media, or blogs:
- Stay calm
- Respect others' opinions
- Keep an open mind
- Express your feelings
- Don't yell or curse
- End with a smile
1. Stay Calm
According to a 2013 report by Fox 5, 60% of Americans are easily angered or irritated. That was four years ago in the U.S., and it might be similar in Indonesia today, even if the numbers aren't as high.
This is evident on many platforms like Facebook and news blogs. Terms like "haters" and "hate speech" have emerged, both of which fall under negative comments.
Staying calm and patient is the first step when responding to negative comments on email, social media, or blogs. Being calm and patient allows us to think clearly and not be easily provoked by negative comments.
Remember, when emotions take over, whatever you are building can collapse, and your image will be tarnished in the eyes of the public.
2. Respect Others' Opinions
We need to understand that negative comments are also opinions. No matter how bad the comment, we must respect it.
Respecting others' opinions prevents us from feeling self-righteous, even if what we are doing is correct. This promotes introspection and creates a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere on social media, email, or blogs.
3. Keep an Open Mind
Having an open mind means accepting all opinions, both positive and negative.
An open mind allows us to gain new perspectives, which helps us respond to negative comments more effectively.
4. Express Your Feelings
When responding to negative comments, there is no need to retaliate against the commenter. Just express how you feel at that moment.
For example, if you upload a family vacation photo and someone comments negatively, like: "Oh, always on vacation, spending company money?"
To respond, you don’t need to attack. Just say something like: "Yes, we’re fortunate to have the chance to vacation together as a family. It's wonderful to spend time with loved ones."
This is just an example. You can write other responses, but the important thing is not to retaliate.
5. Don't Yell or Curse
When responding to negative comments, avoid two things: yelling and cursing. Yelling on email, social media, or blogs is represented by using all caps and exclamation marks. Cursing involves using vile or offensive language. Yelling and cursing only escalate the situation.
6. End with a Smile
On email, blogs, or social media, you can use smiley emoticons or stickers. This can help diffuse the heated atmosphere caused by negative comments.
Especially if you are an online seller. You might have encountered a troublesome potential buyer who ends up not buying anything or a buyer who is disappointed with your product and leaves a negative comment. Adding emoticons to your response can help manage the situation better.
Conclusion
Responding to negative comments requires staying calm, respecting others' opinions, keeping an open mind, expressing your feelings without retaliating, avoiding yelling or cursing, and ending with a smile. These strategies help maintain a positive image and prevent unnecessary conflicts.