When social media comes crashing down, THIS is what to do…
In case you didn’t hear the news — Google and YouTube both crashed yesterday.

It was only for an hour or so, but when you’re desperately trying to blast through episodes of “Terry and June”, it can be a bit frustrating.

Anyway, I know what you THINK I’m going to say about this…

As an email marketer, you think I’m going to say:

“SEE? This is why you need to focus on building an asset you own and start emailing your list…”

You’re also expecting a “building your house on sand” analogy too, aren’t you?

If that’s the case, I’m going to disappoint you.

Yes, the fact that two of the internet’s largest websites went down yesterday should terrify you a little bit, but make no mistake…

… email ain’t perfect either.

It’s not a panacea.

For reasons that I’ll get to in a future message, email has its fair share of problems too.

(Here’s a clue: have you looked at your email providers T&C’s recently?)

When Google and YouTube crash, it’s a reminder you should look at ALL the online tools you use and ask:

“If this went down tomorrow… what would I lose… and what would I do next?”

Doesn’t matter if it’s Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, or Tinder…

If you logged in tomorrow and were greeted by a screen that said:

“I’m sick of going to Congress, so I’ve cashed out and moved to Berwick-upon-tweed. Love you, Zucks.”

… what would you do?

And if you’re sitting there gloating, thinking:

“I’m OK… I have an email list”, let me ask you a question:

When was the last time you downloaded it? And if you have, where do you keep that precious CSV file? Is it in one place, or do you have backups, just in case?

Social media.. email… YouTube… Google… they’re all just tools and, like any tool, they can break and go wrong.

Your job isn’t to find one only to bitch and moan when the handle snaps…

… it’s to take responsibility for your business and always have a plan B.

To always know the answer to the question — “if this went away, what would I do?”

Having said all that…

Email probably IS the best place to start.

That CSV file full of people who raised their hands, saying “I want to hear from you” is a pretty awesome asset to have in your back pocket should Zucks decide to delete his FB account.

If you don’t have an email list, start.

Not because email is king…

… but because it gives you more power and control over your business and your life.
['John Holt']
['Small Business Marketing', 'Social Media Marketing', 'Marketing Technology', 'Marketing Strategies', 'Copywriting Tips']