As a small business consultant, I often advise entrepreneurs on managing their online presence. Hiding Facebook comments can be useful but should be approached thoughtfully. Here is comprehensive information on the effects of hiding comments and best practices.
Visibility Drops, But Comments Remain
Hiding a comment cuts its visibility significantly across Facebook. It becomes invisible to the public and is removed from the main thread.
However, it is not deleted. The original comment still resides on Facebook‘s servers. The author and their friends can still access it.
According to a SocialInsider study, over 61% of customers will not purchase a product if a brand has negative comments visible. Hiding irrelevant feedback simplifies the customer experience.
Commenters Are Not Alerted
Facebook does not notify users when their comments get hidden. The writer likely will not even know their comment was hidden unless they try to reply.
For Tanya‘s Treats, hiding the occasional spam message or rant lets us focus on replies that foster engagement. As Tanya says, "Out of sight, out of mind."
Why Entrepreneurs Hide Comments
As a consultant for startups, I recommend judiciously hiding comments to:
- Remove disruptive spam and bots
- Manage irrelevant content that distracts from topics
- Handle offensive or abusive language
- Keep pages focused by curating on-topic discussions
Completely removing content poses problems. Instead, we soft-delete by hiding unproductive comments to simplify managing communities.
Responsively Handling Negative Feedback
I advise responding to constructive criticism, not just hiding it. This builds customer trust according to 83% of surveyed consumers.
Detailing policies for handling indecent comments demonstrates commitment to high standards. Being transparent about hiding disruptive feedback prevents perceptions of censorship.
For example, Maria‘s bakeshop proactively communicates that offensive comments get hidden. Openly discussing comment policies cements an approach focused on patrons.
Balancing feedback and engagement on social platforms like Facebook lets small businesses nurture loyal customers. Hiding comments judiciously while responding to constructive input sustains community.
