The Return of Walmart's Trusty Sidekick

Online, February 20, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Walmart seems to be taking on the old motto "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." After receiving quite the negative backlash from social media last year, Walmart has teamed up with Centel Media yet again to maintain their online reputation. Last year, Walmart decided to change their stance from defensive to offensive by aggressively approaching their online issues. Their first step: hiring Centel Media. At first this ORM firm was managing their Twitter page, but they've graduated to supporting their Facebook page. In effect, Centel Media now guides two of the largest social media sites for Walmart.

For smaller businesses with smaller brands, addressing major concerns of every individual client seems doable. However, for major businesses with major brands this can be extremely difficult even with the best intentions. The fact that social media creates platforms for the concerns of these individual clients to be heard nationwide, places more pressure on bigger brands such as Walmart. Social media sites also make it even harder for companies as big as Walmart to defend themselves against slanderous remarks but instead of hiding behind excuses, this department store chain has chosen to rise to the occasion.

Social media matters to Walmart. Recently, Walmart tweeted about how honored they are to employ and support veterans and their families. A veteran tweeted them and explained how he placed his application in and hasn't heard anything in return. Instead of burying this complaint in the pile with the rest, Walmart responded to the veterans tweet by directing him to a link which would show him all of the packages and opportunities that Walmart has to offer veterans. This attitude may seem very small to some but it is undeniably a turn in the right direction and Centel Media has helped with that initiative.

Social media has now become more detrimental to the success of a business than ever before while at the same time providing a great resource. There needs to be a balanced approach by any business to ensure that your social media support is properly utilized. Through gathered research Centel Media was able to show Walmart what their online reputation was and what it could be with proper adjustments. And going forward, the two companies are happy to be collaborating in this effort.

With such wonderful results, it makes many wonder why these two businesses didn't link up sooner? Taking on such a major client as Walmart has really allowed Centel Media to secure their spot as the top online reputation management company. It's a match any superhero team would be envious of.

Tia'Lavon Butler,
Creative Writer,
Jonathan Wong,
Editor-In-Chief,
Centel Media