Top 5 social media brand fails - EVER
Following US Airway's catastrophic social slip this week, we've looked at some of the best/worst brand mishaps on Twitter. People must have been fired.
“Publish and be damned!”
– Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (a wise man)
We have all accidentally posted something on social media and broken out in a body-wide sheen in fear of slipping down our carefully constructed ladder of social credibility – but imagine if you’re a brand.
Unlike Janet Jackson’s carefully choreographed nip-slip, there have been a number of occasions that brands have accidentally published things that should have stayed deep in the synapses of the offending media officer.
In light of US Airways unfortunate model-plane-vagina catastrophe, we have compiled a list of the best (or worst) branded social slips. Enjoy.
1. US Airways: An airplane under carriage
At number 1 and stirring media headlines, such as “worst tweet in the history of Twitter” (salon.com), is the latest example of a brands social mishap and perhaps the greatest/worst of all time.
US Airways, who tweeted a pornographic image to a disgruntled customer, sparked a media frenzy with tweeters around the world reacting with spin-offs and parodies in equal measure.
The image often associated with sites elsewhere accompanied by the message: “We welcome feedback, Elle. If your travel is complete, you can detail here for review and follow up.”
I wonder if someone got fired…
2. Burger King: Password fail
Change your passwords, big brands. In February, both Burger King and Jeep temporarily lost control of their Twitter feeds after an invasion by hackers. BK may have gotten the worst of it, as the hacker changed its name and logo to No. 1 rival McDonald’s.
3. Epicurious: Boston Marathon recipe fail
This, truly does speak for itself, a case of wrong tweet, wrong time. Hijacking a current moment to push brand awareness is essential for brands to maintain relevance – perhaps an act of terrorism wasn’t one of them.
4. Nokia: Expletives
Perhaps the strain of falling from the pedestal of mobile domination was too much for the Nokia’s New Zealand staff. #awks
5. HMV: Rogue Twitter/staff execution
If you’re about to mass fire 60 staff members, make sure you know who holds the keys to your social media kingdom. The troubled HMV found their Twitter account hijacked by a miffed employee, who live tweeted a private meeting to the world. Oops.
Nice collection, most seen before but still worth a good snigger… or face palm :)