Is Deleting Your Facebook Account a Good Idea At Any Time?
When this article was first written in April of 2018, we as social media managers were scared, upset and worried about the Cambridge Analytica data breach.
As I update this article in January of 2021, this question whether to delete your Facebook information and account is still valid, but for different reasons altogether.
The current political landscape and Black Lives Matter movement, coupled with a Pandemic have permanently changed the way we look at the world, at Facebook and our personal data and privacy.
While a typical Facebook user in 2011 shared photos, videos and memes, in 2020 the world used Facebook to stay connected with family and friends while social distancing in lockdown.
Then there are the political posts, memes and misinformation about both the COVID-19 Pandemic and the US Elections.
Sometimes you just want to click on delete, right?
On top of that, we’ve seen apps like Parler disappear, 70,000+ Twitter accounts deactivated and deleted and Facebook data being used to serve us up the most targeted ads we’ve ever seen!
Where does that leave us? Wanting to delete Facebook! Read on and find out if deleting Facebook is ever a viable option!
Do Your Clients Want To Delete Facebook?
You are not alone!
The big buzz all week, all month, has been about whether or not your client should delete Facebook, should stop advertising on Facebook, or should carry on as usual in light of Cambridge Analytica. Unless you have been living under a rock, most likely you have caught some of the testimony Mark Zuckerberg has been giving to Congress, maybe in your Facebook newsfeed?
Late March, several big brands deleted their Facebook pages, while others ceased all advertising. Is this a growing trend we should worry about? Whether you have seen the Zuckerberg internet troll posts, memes, one of many thousands of Facebook Live testimony, or have heard industry experts weigh in on this topic, everyone has something to say and add, or so it seems!
How will what happened with Cambridge Analytica affect us, marketers?
Within our Social Media Managers Community, this has been and continues to be, a hot topic.
Today we want to answer this question, which seems to be top of mind for many marketers:
How should you communicate with your clients to keep them from worrying and panicking, and from taking drastic steps, that may or may not include leaving Facebook or sever their relationship with you, their social media marketer?
Give Facts, Share Data and Remain Positive and Upbeat!
If you have a client who is in panic mode or is questioning everything they knew to be true about Facebook, ignoring their concerns is not going to make this issue go away.
In addition, we as marketers need to be cognizant of our own language as we discuss what happened. One social media consultant hit the nail on the head recently, when she said:
As social media professionals, we need to be very careful in how we speak about Cambridge Analytica since most people don’t actually understand how what we do works.
Someone has to be the voice of reason in this confusing time. Let it be …you!
Instead of panicking and complaining, do these things.
- Read articles like this article from Mari Smith, written specifically for marketers
- Share (vetted) articles on this topic with your clients
- Show Facebook and Google analytics data to prove that Facebook is still driving traffic and/or converting
- Take the time to answer your clients' questions about privacy concerns
- Be willing to communicate more frequently
- Stay the course with your marketing strategy
- Celebrate marketing wins, especially as it pertains to Facebook
Leaving Facebook is always an option for marketers. It is a decision you need to think long and hard about as a social media manager. Make no mistakes; it will affect your career and impact your ability to continue to serve your clients.
It is interesting to note that it also isn't a simple option for other parts of the world.
What Can You Say to Your Concerned Client?
Here are a few words you can use to alleviate concerns.
- “Steps have been taken to protect users' privacy on Facebook; I can help you check your privacy settings to make sure that you aren't inadvertently sharing too much information.”
- “Businesses are still thriving on social media, let's look at your analytics again.”
- “This too shall pass.”
- “The benefits of reaching audiences and potential customers on Facebook still outweighs the negativity around this Facebook privacy issue.”
- “This is a great time evaluate our overall social media strategy; we can diversify and allocate more funds to increase email marketing, Twitter management, content marketing or anything else outside of Facebook, without giving up Facebook marketing.”
- “Always read Terms of Service before using a new tool or platform. Would you like me to come in and conduct a social media workshop for your employees? “
- “I am right here with you and won't steer you wrong. You have an expert social media adviser in me and I will continue to do what is right for you and your business.”
Whatever words you use, make sure you have this conversation ASAP with any client who expresses concerns. Consider sending all your clients an email proactively. It is always better to inform than explain.
When Should You Delete Facebook?
Is there ever a good time to delete Facebook?
Sure there is!
Here are 7 reasons to panic and delete Facebook right now!
Go ahead and delete Facebook if you
- are ready to end your career in social media marketing
- suddenly dislike making money thru marketing
- believe everything written on the internet
- do as your friends do, instead of thinking for yourself
- are shocked by lack of privacy on Facebook
- have prepared to say goodbye to Instagram and Whatsapp as well
- don't mind going back to snail mail and phone calls to stay connected to old friends
What Is The Future of Facebook?
No one knows what will happen. Whether there will be a mass exodus of people permanently deleting their Facebook account and leaving Facebook for greener pastures, or if this will blow over eventually.
May we suggest if you go as far as permanently deleting your account, make sure to download your information before you do, in case you regret that account deletion.
Perhaps if you are done with Facebook for a while, temporarily deactivating your account first might be a better choice. Give yourself 90 days and if you don’t miss Facebook or regret the deactivation of your Facebook account to the point of wanting to reactivate your account – then deleting it permanently is the right option.
One thing is for sure.
Overall awareness of online safety and security is growing. The consumer will continue to demand safer online spaces, less spam, more security and overall transparency, and that is a good thing!
I am a Certified Social Media Manager, Strategist, International Keynote Speaker, Organic Specialist and Agile marketer! Blogging is my creative outlet. Running, hiking and skiing are how I recharge. You'll recognize me on stage and online by my always present orange glasses, a nod to my Dutch heritage.
