Negative marketing is not the most ethical way to market your product or company. Would you like someone to gossip about you negatively, slandering your good name and ruining your reputation? Of course you wouldn’t. Similarly, negative marketing is a tactic used by some marketers to discourage you from buying a competitive product from another company in favor of being attracted to their product. It doesn’t seem fair that you don’t want people spreading rumors about you that aren’t true, does it?
Well, unfortunately this ploy works for many marketers because it gains the appeal they seek and helps them, albeit unfairly, to dominate some consumers into buying their products and services. So what does this mean for you as a person or company you represent? You sure don’t want people spreading false stories about you or your company. As a person, your friends and family know who you are and support you, but what about your colleagues, associates, and others you meet in daily life? Of course, if you have a good reputation, this will be reflected in your conduct and in the people who express a positive point of view about you. The company you represent will display a good reputation through efficient customer relations, philanthropy, numerous testimonials, and excellent, high-value products that consumers need in the marketplace.
Negative marketing can catch the eye of dubious consumers, especially given the fact that there are so many scams and schemes online and offline these days. However, company representatives who do negative marketing against other companies or competitors do not paint well. Smart people and fellow entrepreneurs will see through the facade and quickly realize that this is a scheme to lure them into buying products and services they don’t want or need. Wise consumers always do their due diligence and research whether they are looking to compare products, investigate a business opportunity, or seek guidance on a particular matter from a professional. Legitimate home business owners and small business entrepreneurs would never resort to negative marketing. In addition to being unethical and unfair, it can lead to legal issues, especially if a legitimate company decides to sue the negative marketer if the defamatory comments are false, unfounded, and misleading.
What do people think of you? What do people think of the company you are affiliated with or market to? The way you present yourself and conduct yourself in business is just as important, if not more so, than the company you represent. Painting your competitor in a negative light can call into question your motives as a person and the ethics of the company you represent. In a world full of unfairness and unfairness, resorting to ruthless methods may serve you well in the short term, but it will ultimately be detrimental to you in the long run.
So, in conclusion… how do you see yourself? Do you have a clear conscience when it comes to marketing your product or service? Ethical marketing may not be your natural inclination, but practicing honesty, integrity, offering good value products, and genuine customer service will always take precedence with alert consumers. Here’s to being a positive seller!