Reputation & FB Graph Search

Reputation and search can have disastrous consequences for individual as well as businesses and that is why it is vital to pay attention to the privacy settings on social media accounts, with the recent addition of Facebook Graph Search, it might be wise to revisit those settings. If you are not aware, the default Facebook setting allows full access to profile information.

There are a variety of other risks of exposure. When someone tags you in a photo or post, it appears in the timeline but you can change the setting to review items tagged with your name prior to allowing them. Just a heads up, if you fail to tweak those settings, your profile information, photos and posts will likely appear in the search engines.

One of the things we have recommended to businesses, is that they have a business page–which is different from a profile. We can’t tell you how many times someone affiliated with a business has accidentally posted a profane remark by accident–thinking they were behind the walls of their own profile page.

In general, it is best to follow the rule of using restraint since anything you don’t own, or have control of, can go hay wire. Also, in many cases we have a professional business profile of the CEO or director that is not visible and that is used only for posting on the business page–that keeps everyone clear and on point.

Not too long ago a number of Twitter accounts were compromised and hackers had a field day with a franchise. Although mostly playful, the account was used to promote their competitor. That account was shut down–at least for the time being.

Developments such as Facebook’s Graph Search makes the online marketer’s brain shoot off fireworks because of the potential. However, it can also be harmful if you are not diligent online as a business person.

Reputation monitoring can do a lot to avoid issues. But be sure to schedule a regular time to review your privacy settings on the social networks you participate in and consciously pay attention to what you are liking, sharing, tagging, or uploading.

Even those seemingly innocuous check-ins could bite you. Today, more than ever, reputation impacts you and your business. Take some time to be proactive to avoid the need for reputation repair.

If you do have an issue, don’t hesitate to contact ARKtech for help and be sure to subscribe to our web-u-cation series to learn more.