Is Your Personal Social Media Scaring Away Clients?

Your online reputation is your currency. Whether you realize it or not, your personal social media accounts may be silently sabotaging your business.

That Facebook debate from last month?
 That Instagram story from your girls’ weekend?
 That tweet you liked five years ago?

They’re all part of your digital brand—and they may be influencing potential clients before they even reach out.

The Digital Stalking Is Real

According to a study by CareerBuilder, 70% of employers screen social media profiles before making a hiring decision. And for small business owners, the stakes are just as high. Research shows that over 90% of consumers read online reviews and conduct a digital search before choosing who to do business with.

At Ms. Biz, we’ve seen firsthand how your personal digital footprint can either build trust—or break it.

Real Risks: What Your Personal Pages Are Saying Behind Your Back

You might think your personal and professional lives are separate, but the internet disagrees.

• That heated political thread on Facebook? It could make a client question your professionalism.
• That bikini pic with a cocktail in hand? A potential investor might perceive you as “unfocused.”
• That snarky comment on a competitor’s post? Not a great look for your brand.

Yes, you are absolutely entitled to your opinions, your vacations, and your off-hours fun. But when it’s public, it’s also searchable—and criticizable.

Viral Mistakes Businesses Made (So You Don’t Have To)

Let’s talk cautionary tales:

1. Domino’s Disaster

In 2009, two employees at Domino’s filmed themselves doing disgusting things to food before serving it to customers. Despite being fired, the damage was done. The video went viral and cost the company massive credibility.

2. The Rude Cookies Cafe

A bakery publicly shamed customers for “not spending enough.” The result? Backlash, bad press, and eventual closure. A textbook example of what not to do with your brand’s voice.

These incidents weren’t just PR nightmares—they were lessons in how digital behavior directly affects business longevity.

How to Clean Up & Protect Your Digital Reputation

Here’s your no-fluff game plan to protect (and polish) your online presence:

1. Audit Your Online Presence

Google yourself. Look at your public posts, images, comments, and likes. This includes platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X.

2. Adjust Privacy Settings

• Use Facebook’s audience selector tool to customize who sees your posts.
• On Instagram, switch to a private account or adjust post visibility in your story settings.
• Regularly review tagged photos, especially on platforms like Facebook where your name may be connected to content you didn’t post.

3. Be Mindful of What You “Like”

Yes, even a simple thumbs-up on a controversial post can come back to bite you. Think twice before engaging, especially if your profile is connected to your business page.

4. Separate But Connected

Even though you may have a business page, potential clients often check your personal profile first. Make sure it’s not sending the wrong message. Consider cross-posting professionally curated content to both pages using Meta’s Business Suite.

5. Know That Screenshots Are Forever

Even if your posts are private, they’re not invisible. A screenshot can turn a seemingly harmless vent session into a viral mistake.

Your Brand Is Bigger Than You Think

From a potential client’s perspective, you are your brand—24/7, not just during office hours. The good news? You have full control over how you show up online.

You’ve worked too hard building your dream to let an old post or careless comment scare away opportunity.

Let’s be intentional. Let’s be strategic.
 And let’s get biz done.