I’ll never forget the very first time I had to deal with criticism on social media. I had just started my first legitimate Facebook advertising campaign and I was excited for all the new clients that were about to show up on my doorstep. Like most people I had a fear of putting myself out there and selling my work because I didn’t want to feel like a sleaze. So I had spent a lot of time ensuring that my advertising was wholesome, with no big claims that could go unmet and with a lot of specificity as to who I was talking to. But I still couldn’t avoid what was coming.
Within 24 hours of launching my campaign I was accused by one woman of being a scammer and another woman of running a bait and switch. Although I was doing neither I still felt like retreating to a safe place where no-one knew who I was. I learned an important lesson early on – you can’t control what people say about you and many times what people say about you has NOTHING to do with you, and everything to do with them. That said, it’s still worthwhile to identify some strategies for managing this stuff when it comes up.
So here are some tips for dealing with criticism on social media.
Ignore, block and move on.
Sometimes you’re going to come across people who just have nothing better to do with their time but hang out on social media being a troll. I’ve had people call me names, tell me I’m ugly and that my work is appalling. When the girl on my first campaign told me I was a scammer, I just deleted her comment, banned her from my page and kept it moving. I’ll be honest with you, this is my go-to method for dealing with stupidity on the internet. I have way more important things to do with my time and energy than mess with non-sense…you know, like making my mark on the world?!
Give a SHORT explanation.
Okay, so sometimes things may not be all that clear to people right? Everyone is not as bright as you! I have a few products and on the thank you page of my freebie A Beginner’s Guide to Becoming Known, there is an invitation to grab my Brand Yourself training at a discounted rate. It’s written quite clearly in large text across the top of this page ‘YOUR FREE GIFT IS ON THE WAY TO YOUR INBOX. IN THE MEANTIME…’ but every so often there is still the random person who chooses not to read and gets upset thinking they’re being given the run-around. Don’t get upset, just explain to them in a few sentences and then keep it moving. I personally am not interested in dealing with anyone who takes the time to come back and leave negative comments on my stuff, but I will explain if it’s something as simple as them just checking their dang inbox!
Have fun with it!
Nothing makes people retract their statements faster than making light of the situation. I was in a Facebook group recently that provides support for people building websites with the Divi theme. I’m proud to say that I built my website including all the graphics. I’m entirely self-taught meaning that I am in no way a designer. In response to a question and screenshot I posted of a question I was looking to resolve, one gentlemen decided to tell me the color combination I chose was “appalling.” At first I thought about ignoring him but it had just been one of those days, and so I responded with “Thank you X for your unsolicited opinion *smiley face*”. Upon realizing his statement was obnoxious X apologized and proceeded to offer more useful advice. Sometimes people just don’t realize how insensitive they’re being until you subtly show them.
Life on the internet is…fun..sometimes. But just remember that everyone is operating from a personal place. Happy people do not spend their time or energy finding ways to give criticism on social media. One of my tips for not being shaken by what people say about me publicly is to recognize that a lot of people are struggling with a lot of things. We all act from a place of our own understanding and what people have to say about me, more often than not, has not much to do with me. So I keep it moving, keep putting myself out there and keep showing up for the people who need me most. Got any fun stories about being criticized on the internet and how you dealt with it? Let me know in the comments below.
