Navigating the world of social media can be tricky whether it be for yourself or if you are managing a business.
With all of the things you can do on social it might be hard to decipher what is right and what is wrong.
For a change, we’re not going to focus on the tactics, or campaign management, or audience development, or any of that stuff.
Instead, let’s go into the softer, more human side of social media interactions.
We’ve put together a list of social media Do’s and Don’ts to keep your social media usage in check.
The DON’Ts of Social Media Engagement
Don’t #1:
Stop bandwagoning. Even though it seems like a no brainer to share the same posts or content on every social platform, refrain from suffocating your community with thin and repetitive content.
If everyone follows you on the same account your layering of posts on posts become redundant to your viewers.
Switch up the wording and photos you post on different accounts. Remember, every social media platform expects different types of presentation of your content.
Don’t #2:
Don’t spam your content with hashtags. Use relevant hashtags that pertain to the photo or image that you are using.
While some industry “gurus” recommend 15 – 20 hashtags per posts, those are very antiquated tactics, and it is annoying to see more hashtags than content in your posts.
Don’t #3:
Nobody likes blurred images (when they’re not by design). Post blurry or low quality photos with incorrect dimensions can lead to very unhappy followers.
Know your dimensions and spend time taking a nice clear photo. Cropping your photos accordingly will make your images look professional and polished.
Even if you don’t have an expensive DSLR it is not necessary to take a nice crisp photo, good lighting, the right angles and a steady hand can majorly improve a point and shoot photo.
Don’t #4:
Don’t be off brand. Stick to your brand image and voice when creating posts online, having an image that aligns on all platforms makes your brand look polished throughout.
Yes, this is common sense, but you’d be surprise how often this is overlooked by brands of all sizes.
Don’t #5:
Social media might be a pay-to-play platform. But for Pete’s sake (I don’t even know Pete!), never buy your followers, or pay to build your fan base.
People (and the algorithms) can tell when you have fake followers. How? Low engagement rates, followers from every corner of the world, and it makes your account appear fake or spammy.
The DO’s of Social Media Engagement
Do #1:
Engage with your audience, this means that even when you see a negative comment or question it is in your best interest to respond in a timely manner.
This kind of action builds a reputable image for your brand and makes you more trustworthy in the eye of the consumer.
Do #2:
Create a posting schedules. Consistency is key in the world of social media and sticking to a schedule makes your accounts look legitimate and can be a source people can trust.
Do #3:
Interact with your followers. Comment and like their posts and create a relationship with them. Current and potential customers will be more inclined to interact with your account if you are reciprocate.
Do #4:
Check your grammar, it is important to look and sounds smart when you are trying to sell something to someone.
Grammar and spelling errors can quickly and easily reduce your credibility.
Do #5:
Research your audience. Knowing who you are trying to reach and on what platform they are most active on will help you create posts that will appeal to them the most.
Different age groups and audiences typically are better reached on certain platforms.
When it comes down to it, social media should be social! Share like you are talking to friends and family and create a fun and uplifting image for your brand!
Social media is an ever-changing landscape so these do’s and don’ts can always change but these are the ones that we think are important!
Wrapping it up
What are some dos and don’ts you can think of?
