November 12, 2014
Social media such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, among many other are great ways for people and organizations to express opinions and feelings. But social media are also very important when it comes to online marketing. It is the best and cheapest way to market your business. Although these interactions entirely occur on the computer, what you share is not private. Being compassionate and kind is not exclusive. It is good to use social media in a good way that benefits you and your audiences-maintain manners and ethics. Whether you are on personal or professional social media account, social media etiquette is necessary, important and critical. The following are reasons why you should maintain etiquette on social media.
Good Return on Investment
Social media is the most effective way to market your business. Etiquette is the difference between profit and loss. If you have a good intention to market your products and services online, then learn to speak to your visitors will be beneficial. Honestly, social media marketing is a full-time job because there are a variety of metrics to take into account and across many different social media platforms. The way you share your content, the content you share and how you talk and engage your audience is determined by the social media platform itself.
Proper social media etiquette is a subset of proper manners. How you are peceived online will typically reflect on how you are perceived offline and in real life. One topic that was broached a while ago was the concept of rudeness, trolling and potential bullying online. Anonymizing factors of online communications make this more prevalent and easier. However, what you do today will set and create new standards for future interactions. How do you want to show up online?
Strategies for Effective Social Media Etiquette
- Focused Topics - Wisely choose topics to address that is most relevant to your audience. Depending on your audience, it may be best to avoid potentially controversial topics. Remember, the topic you cover will depend on your business, professionalism and your goals. Online marketing will help you determine the subjects that are relevant to your business.
- Language - Although most interactions take place on computer, it is always good to use appropriate language always. If you are using social media for business purposes, use professional language in a way to maintain or build your integrity.
- Be Helpful - You are the master, listen to your audience and provide service. Your expertise is what your audience seeks and there will always be takeaways if you have the intention of putting the best out there.
- Frequent and Relevant Posting - Similar to Focused Topics above, ensure that your communications are relevant and sufficiently frequent. Again this will depend on the platform and your audience and only you can be the judge of that.
If you are a small business or business owner and you are considering incorporating social media marketing as one of your platforms, I would suggest that you work with a professional on how to be more effective in this area. It is definitely helpful to know what is expected in this area including the perceptions around social media etiquette and the expectations inherent to each of the platforms.