Fact-checking your content to maintain brand integrity

February 13, 2020

Fact-checking your content to maintain brand integrity

With the advent of digital marketing, there’s a plethora of information available for consumers of social media. Accordingly, there are many do’s and don’ts that a content creator needs to adhere to if their narrative is to become as fact-based and honest as possible.

Words are powerful. As content generators, it is our moral duty to stick to the facts – to the best of our capabilities. Day by day, the number of people turning to the internet to seek all sorts of information related to education, medicine, health, shopping, general knowledge, spiritualism, politics, child-rearing, consumer products, etc., is increasing exponentially.

When we seek information, it is to arm ourselves with the facts and make informed decisions that will help us grow our intellect as well as our ability to gauge right from wrong. Hence, it is crucial for us to understand that although copying (say) someone’s fashion sense might be the best form of flattery, it is not the case when creating content for your brand in the digital marketing space.

Even if there is enough information out there for you to glean answers from, it is best that your content be as honest, helpful, and factual as possible, without being misleading or judgmental. If we keep certain guidelines around content creation in mind, we can look back with pride and better appreciate the impact of our words.

Let’s look at some ways in which we can keep the integrity of our content intact and build an honest relationship with our consumers/audience:

Give voice to the nameless and the voiceless

Freedom of speech allows us to speak our mind and exercise the basic right for us to speak the truth and stand up to injustices happening in society. In the same breath, we need to be fact-based and cover the story from all angles in order to build the correct narrative – whether it is for a brand or for social ethos.

Rely on a wide range of resources

Check as many references as possible while writing on a subject. Get all perspectives and check their authenticity. Remember to quote references for the resources from where you choose information to share on your page. Believe in sharing verifiable stories and not those that can be sensationalized. You will be doing a great disservice to history if you fail to choose your words wisely.

Check the tone of your content

With respect, we can establish a space for great conversation. The same is true for great content online. Social media has many advantages but it also comes with some cons. For instance, many people have voices that they didn’t have earlier and are likely to shred your content if it hurts their sentiments. When we write mindfully, we create a healthy space online and can have meaningful conversations and debates around the subject.

Always be accountable

All of us are human and hence prone to making mistakes. So, if you do err, you should take responsibility, swallow your pride, and own up. An honest apology will go a long way in redeeming yourself; it can help bring about future content without your authenticity or your integrity falling in the questionable category.

Parting Words

Words that have been created to be shared in the digital world are here to stay for posterity. Let us join in on the collective ethical stance and remain true to facts, which can help create truthful content.