By Otunba Deoye Otukoya

Introduction:

In today’s digital age Instagram has become an indispensable platform for businesses to connect with customers and promote their products or services. With the increasing popularity of Instagram stores it is essential for merchants to prioritize good customer relations. However a prevalent issue that deserves attention is the lack of professionalism and poor communication exhibited by some Instagram merchants. Many customers have reported incidents where the merchants provide their phone numbers on their timelines but fail to respond adequately or display unpleasant attitudes when contacted. This article aims to shed light on this concerning trend and the implications it has on customers and businesses alike.

1. Accessibility Matters:

One of the fundamental aspects of ensuring good customer relations is the accessibility of the merchant. By voluntarily providing their phone numbers merchants convey the impression of being available and open to customer inquiries. However the reality often falls short of this expectation. Too frequently customers are left frustrated and inconvenienced when their attempts to contact merchants go unanswered for days or are met with dismissive responses. This lack of availability undermines trust and damages the overall customer experience.

2. Unprofessional Attitudes:

Another significant concern is the unprofessional conduct and negative attitudes displayed by certain Instagram merchants when interacting with customers. The success of any business hinges on creating a positive relationship with consumers. However some merchants who put their phone numbers out for public use have been observed to have a lackadaisical approach towards customer engagements. Instances of rude behavior impatience and unhelpfulness have been reported leaving customers feeling disrespected and discouraged from engaging with that particular merchant or even shopping on Instagram altogether.

3. The Ripple Effect:

The ramifications of poor customer relations go beyond individual experiences. When customers have negative encounters with Instagram merchants they are likely to share their frustrations with friends family and online communities. Word-of-mouth plays a crucial role in shaping a merchant’s reputation and negative reviews can quickly spread damaging the business’s credibility. Consequently merchants who fail to prioritize customer relations may find themselves losing potential customers and hindering their long-term growth prospects.

4. A Call for Improvement:

To address this issue it is imperative for Instagram merchants to recognize the significance of good customer relations and take proactive steps to improve their interactions with customers. Some crucial measures include:

a. Prompt Responses: Merchants should aim to respond to customer inquiries in a timely manner ideally within 24 hours. This showcases attentiveness and professionalism fostering positive customer relationships.

b. Polite and Respectful Communication: Merchants need to maintain a respectful tone even when faced with challenging or repetitive customer inquiries. Good customer relations require patience and understanding.

c. Training and Empathy: Merchants should invest time in training their customer support staff emphasizing the importance of empathy and effective problem-solving. Understanding the customer’s perspective can go a long way in providing satisfactory resolutions.

d. Feedback and Improvements: Merchants should actively seek feedback from customers to identify areas for improvement. This feedback loop can assist in refining their customer relations strategies and forging stronger connections with their target audience.

Conclusion:

The alarming lack of good customer relations displayed by some Instagram merchants is a disheartening trend that affects both customers and businesses. By prioritizing accessibility professionalism and respect in their interactions merchants can foster an environment of trust and loyalty. Overlooking the importance of good customer relations may lead to a decline in sales and reputation. Ultimately developing strong customer relations on Instagram will not only boost customer satisfaction but also drive growth and success for merchants in the long run.

The heartbreaking news of Mohbad’s passing on September 12, 2023, left a deep void in the Nigerian music scene. Mohbad was undoubtedly one of the most underrated talents in the industry, and his departure is a painful loss to the world of music.

Mohbad’s journey in the music industry was marked by a fierce determination to make his mark. He faced challenges within his record label, where he believed he was not receiving the promotion he deserved. It was evident to him, as well as his growing fan base, that he possessed a wealth of talent waiting to be unleashed.

His music was a testament to his artistry. While some criticized Nigerian musicians for lacking substance, Mohbad’s songs were a shining exception. It was this depth in his music that drew me to become a fan. I first took notice of him when he delivered a powerful cover of Kizz Daniel’s ‘Fvck U.’ As a dedicated rap enthusiast, I recognized the profound thinking that went into his lyrics. Lines like ‘MALLAM na Mallan even ti e ba spell e la ti eyin,’ which translates to ‘A MALLAM will always be Mallam even if it’s spelled backward,’ showcased his lyrical prowess.

Mohbad initially made a name for himself as a rapper but transitioned into a lamba artist to reach a wider audience. This strategic move bore fruit when he released ‘Ko Po Ke,’ a song that became a massive hit. After joining Marlian Records, he continued to build a rich catalog of music.

Despite the challenges he faced, Mohbad remained resilient. He recently released a new album, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft. Tragically, he lost his life while promoting this album, which had the potential to propel him to the heights he truly deserved in the industry.

Before parting ways with his former label, Mohbad had endured a great deal, and his health had suffered as a result. He was diagnosed with hypertension, a stark reminder of the toll his pursuit of musical greatness had taken on his well-being.

In tribute to Mohbad, let us remember his undeniable talent, his commitment to creating meaningful music, and the resilience he displayed throughout his journey. He may have left us too soon, but his music will continue to resonate with his fans and serve as a testament to his enduring legacy in Nigerian music.

By Timilehin Ajagunna