How do you handle conflicts of interest in digital marketing?

1 Identify potential conflicts

The first step to handle conflicts of interest is to identify them before they become a problem. You should be aware of the policies and expectations of your employer, clients, and industry regarding ethical and professional conduct. You should also disclose any personal or financial relationships that may affect your impartiality or credibility as a digital marketer. For example, if you have a stake in a company that you are promoting, you should inform your audience and your client about it.

2 Communicate transparently

The second step to handle conflicts of interest is to communicate transparently with all the parties involved. You should be honest and open about your goals, strategies, and results as a digital marketer. You should also respect the confidentiality and privacy of your clients and their data. If you encounter a situation where you have to choose between competing interests, you should explain your rationale and seek feedback or approval from your client or employer. For example, if you are working for two clients who offer similar products or services, you should inform them about it and avoid favoring one over the other.

3 Seek guidance or mediation

The third step to handle conflicts of interest is to seek guidance or mediation from a third party if you are unsure or unable to resolve them on your own. You can consult with your colleagues, mentors, supervisors, or industry associations for advice or support. You can also seek the help of a mediator or arbitrator to facilitate a fair and respectful resolution of the conflict. For example, if you have a dispute with a client or a vendor over the terms or quality of a contract, you can ask for a neutral opinion or intervention from a professional body or a legal expert.

4 Learn from your mistakes

The fourth step to handle conflicts of interest is to learn from your mistakes and improve your practices. You should reflect on your actions and outcomes as a digital marketer and identify any areas where you may have compromised your ethics or professionalism. You should also acknowledge and apologize for any harm or damage that you may have caused to your reputation, your client's reputation, or the public's trust. You should also take corrective actions and preventive measures to avoid repeating the same mistakes. For example, if you have violated a policy or a regulation, you should comply with the consequences and update your knowledge and skills accordingly.

5 Uphold your values

The fifth step to handle conflicts of interest is to uphold your values and principles as a digital marketer. You should always strive to act with integrity, honesty, respect, and responsibility in your work. You should also adhere to the standards and codes of conduct of your profession and your industry. You should also respect the rights and interests of your clients, your audience, and your stakeholders. You should also promote the values and benefits of digital marketing to the society and the environment. For example, if you have a personal or social cause that you support, you should use your digital marketing skills and platforms to raise awareness and advocacy for it.

6 Review and update your policies

The sixth step to handle conflicts of interest is to review and update your policies and procedures as a digital marketer. You should regularly evaluate and revise your policies and procedures to ensure that they are relevant, effective, and compliant with the changing needs and expectations of your clients, your industry, and your society. You should also educate and train yourself and your team on the best practices and the latest trends in digital marketing. You should also monitor and measure your performance and your impact as a digital marketer. For example, if you have a new client or a new project, you should review and update your contract, your scope of work, and your deliverables to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?