I’ve observed a concerning trend among many young entrepreneurs, and it’s something I feel deeply about

It seems that quite a few young people are getting caught up in the competition of social media—how their content performs on TikTok or the number of likes they receive on Instagram. I can understand the appeal of that instant validation, but it’s important to remember that true success lies in the performance and growth of their businesses.

Social media likes might make you feel good, but they don’t pay the bills. Want to know what does? Here’s why customer service > engagement every single time.

Too many entrepreneurs are obsessing over social media numbers—followers, likes, and comments. But here’s the truth: likes won’t save a business that lacks great customer service.

Too many businesses think TikTok popularity and Instagram clout are the ultimate success metric. But if you’re not delivering a top-notch customer experience, those followers will eventually turn on you.

Let’s face it—people love attention. Seeing posts go viral feels amazing. But what happens when those followers try your service and have a terrible experience? Spoiler: those likes won’t bring them back.

Customer service is the backbone of any business. If your customers feel neglected, disrespected, or misled, they won’t stick around, no matter how popular your brand appears.

The reason so many prioritise social media over customer care is visibility—likes and comments are public, while customer experience is often private. But here’s the danger: word spreads fast, especially on social platforms.

Negative reviews will do more damage than any social media campaign can repair. Instead of chasing engagement numbers, focus on building trust and loyalty through reliable, responsive customer care.

Your reputation is built on how you treat people. Customer retention costs less than new acquisition, and happy customers become the best promoters you’ll ever have.

Bottom line: Likes and follows help with visibility, but satisfied customers are what drive your business forward. Build a brand they’ll love and talk about because of your service, not just your social media clout.