This post is inspired by a Twitter thread, inspired by a Reddit thread (yes! a thread-ception) about industry secrets by Bruno Wong @brunowong, as well as this tweet by @sherifferuks about buying followers online.
As a digital strategist, I have been in professional settings and the topic of fake engagements on social media to increase social proof or raise awareness about campaigns has been brought up as a quick scheme for clients. I have always frowned on it and I have valid reasons why no one should try that route.
I will be disclosing some insider information here and why it’s not the best ROI.
In the spirit of full disclosure, it is only fair to put it out there that a huge portion of online reviews, ratings, and social media presence seen for any given company is fake, made up, or run by multiple accounts to beat the algorithm. It is one big world of make-believe because people are naturally cautionary and would rather not be the first to try out new products or services.