Why CEOs Need To Be On Social Media in 2019

Forgive me for stating the obvious, but a CEO is an integral part to any business. So why, according to a recent article by Forbes, do 60% of Fortune 500 CEOS not have a social media presence? Perhaps they’re afraid that being on social media will downgrade their reputation. Or perhaps they aren’t familiar with how social media can be used to their advantage and generate value for their business. I don’t know.

The fact is, it’s not inherently clear why this is the case. There’s no real reason why CEOs are not using social media. But I’m not here to tell you the reasons why they’re not, I’m just here to tell you why they should be. Social media has been a great way for businesses to open up and communicate with their customers. So here are three main reasons why CEOs need to be on social media in 2019.  

1. Transparency

Increasingly, customers are wanting (and expecting) more transparency from brands and businesses. And when they don’t get it, there is a lack of trust. We all know that a lack of trust leads to less brand equity, less brand loyalty and therefore less sales. However, on the other hand, if a brand is transparent and owns up to their mistakes, consumers are more likely to give them second chances, stay loyal during times of crisis, and to believe them when things do go right.

Social media allows this transparency to be communicated and reflected. But it’s not just brands themselves that help to do this. A business' employees are just as integral, and since the CEO is perhaps the most integral, it makes sense that consumers want to hear things directly from them. By allowing a CEO a social media presence, this opens up a world for further transparency that will then reflect positively on the brand and their reputation. Speaking of...  

2. Reputation

Following on from transparency, or perhaps going hand in hand with it, a CEO using social media in the right way will help to enhance the reputation of both the CEO and the business. A CEO that is open to talking about their business, the industry, and communicating with consumers is more likely to have a positive reputation. Which subsequently means the same for the business. Being on social media allows them to lead and frame the conversations that are happening around industry news, and position the brand as a leader in their category in the process.      

3. Networking

Social media facilitates two-way communication, so CEOs have an opportunity to be a voice in the community. However, that doesn’t just mean talking straight to the audience with content like business announcements (which, are important and necessary), but also with fresh, original content, too. Understandably, CEOs don’t always have the time to create fresh, original content, but that’s okay. Even by sharing industry news and articles and adding a valued opinion or commentary, a CEO can impact their audience and create a larger network for themselves and for the business.

By being a respected voice, and using social media in the right way, CEOs can help strengthen both their personal professional development, and the future of the business that they head. One thing is for sure, if they aren’t on social media in 2019, they’re going to get left behind. So get on the front foot as a CEO!