Social Media Fails: What Every Brand Can Learn

In the world of social media, the line between a successful campaign and a nightmare is thin. Just like in a horror film, one wrong move can turn a harmless post into a PR disaster. At Shh Social, we believe that brands can learn from these spooky social media slip-ups to avoid falling into the same traps.

Here are some real-world examples of social media horror stories that highlight the importance of careful planning and thoughtful messaging.

1. Burger King's Poor Word Choice

On International Women’s Day 2021, Burger King UK tweeted, “Women belong in the kitchen.” Although the intention was to promote scholarships for female chefs, the initial tweet caused outrage before the full context was understood.

Lesson: Always think about how your message could be interpreted before hitting "post."

2. Adidas’ Boston Marathon Email Fail

In 2017, following the Boston Marathon, Adidas sent an email with the subject line, “Congrats, you survived the Boston Marathon!” This unfortunate wording was insensitive, given the tragic bombing at the same event in 2013.

Lesson: Be mindful of context and past events when crafting your messages.

3. Snapchat’s Controversial Ad

In 2018, Snapchat ran an advert asking users if they would rather "slap Rihanna or punch Chris Brown." The reference to their past relationship caused a huge backlash, with public condemnation from Rihanna herself.

Lesson: Sensitive topics should never be trivialised—ensure your content is thoroughly vetted.

4. H&M’s Poor Image Choice

In 2018, H&M posted an image of a child wearing a hoodie that read “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle.” The backlash was swift, with many calling the image racially insensitive.

Lesson: Always carefully evaluate your visuals to ensure they resonate positively with diverse audiences.

5. Coca-Cola’s Name Campaign Flop

Coca-Cola’s 2013 “Share a Coke” campaign misfired in the Middle East, as the cans featured names in English rather than Arabic. The exclusion was noted by many, making the campaign feel tone-deaf.

Lesson: Ensure your campaigns are culturally and linguistically appropriate for your audience.

The Bottom Line: Learn From These Social Media Nightmares!

At Shh Social, we specialise in ensuring your brand never falls into these traps. Let us manage your social media presence, so you can avoid these spine-chilling mistakes and focus on what you do best.