Practicing good social media manners, or social media etiquette as some like to call it, is the key to getting the most from your social media marketing efforts. If you ignore the advice in this post, people will ignore your Tweets, stop reading your blog, and think you and your company “just don’t get it.” Social networking sites are open and friendly, but there are and have to be certain etiquette that need to be followed by those who have an online presence. Of course, the manners you follow define you. Below are six vital social media manners that will help you avoid being a social media jerk.
1.Constant self-promotion is a big no no – Although social media can be a powerful marketing tool, it shouldn’t be treated like traditional advertising. In other words, you shouldn’t constantly be Tweeting about how great your company is and how your followers need to buy your products RIGHT NOW!!! That’s not what social media marketing is about. It’s about connecting with your target audience and building relationships with them. It’s about earning their trust and humanizing your company.
2.Take part in the conversation – Whether you’re creating a Twitter account, signing up on Digg, or joining an online group, one rule applies: You have to take part in the conversation if you ever want to see any results. You can’t instantly come in blatantly promoting your company, your blog, or whatever else and expect anyone in the community to give a rat’s behind. You need to focus on getting to know how the community works, who everyone is, and how you can best leverage the community to your advantage. There are no shortcuts.
3.Don’t mass follow just to boost your numbers – Engagement is the true measure of social media success. But it doesn't mean that you add people blindly. Most of the time people don't like to see "friend requests" from someone they don't know. While on Twitter, keep your followers as a matter of choice. Adding as many people as you find will harm you more than doing good.
4."Please" and "Thank You" - They really work
When you are sending any request to somebody, do send a personal note in a polite manner that includes information about why you have made the request. If the receiver is somebody who doesn't know you, tell him or her who you are. In case any people help you out, do thank them. It will help to strengthen your networking. It's always good for you to be gracious. You may have come across some rude comments at times, and you would definitely love to lash out at those. But you must resist that temptation, if you don't, it will only bring you down to the same level. Quite often people do not intend for the comment to be rude, so be cool and try to maintain a professional and open demeanor.
5.Don’t ask for too many favors – Don’t be “that guy”…the guy who is constantly asking for a ReTweet, a Digg, a Stumble, or whatever else. If you ask for too many favors, you become a pest. And when that happens, all future requests for favors get ignored, making it difficult for you to gain any traction with your marketing efforts. So, by all means, ask for favors, but don’t overdo it.
6.Venting your emotions publicly – Avoid expressing your emotions on social networking sites as they are open and public. The impression your emotions can leave on people could be negative and long lasting and sometimes lead to unwanted consequences. Recently, a public school teacher in U.S. lost her job, when she got angry with her students and posted it in her facebook wall. Obviously, you don't want to be in such a situation.
How’s your social media etiquette? Are there any rules you’d add to this list?
1.Constant self-promotion is a big no no – Although social media can be a powerful marketing tool, it shouldn’t be treated like traditional advertising. In other words, you shouldn’t constantly be Tweeting about how great your company is and how your followers need to buy your products RIGHT NOW!!! That’s not what social media marketing is about. It’s about connecting with your target audience and building relationships with them. It’s about earning their trust and humanizing your company.
2.Take part in the conversation – Whether you’re creating a Twitter account, signing up on Digg, or joining an online group, one rule applies: You have to take part in the conversation if you ever want to see any results. You can’t instantly come in blatantly promoting your company, your blog, or whatever else and expect anyone in the community to give a rat’s behind. You need to focus on getting to know how the community works, who everyone is, and how you can best leverage the community to your advantage. There are no shortcuts.
3.Don’t mass follow just to boost your numbers – Engagement is the true measure of social media success. But it doesn't mean that you add people blindly. Most of the time people don't like to see "friend requests" from someone they don't know. While on Twitter, keep your followers as a matter of choice. Adding as many people as you find will harm you more than doing good.
4."Please" and "Thank You" - They really work
When you are sending any request to somebody, do send a personal note in a polite manner that includes information about why you have made the request. If the receiver is somebody who doesn't know you, tell him or her who you are. In case any people help you out, do thank them. It will help to strengthen your networking. It's always good for you to be gracious. You may have come across some rude comments at times, and you would definitely love to lash out at those. But you must resist that temptation, if you don't, it will only bring you down to the same level. Quite often people do not intend for the comment to be rude, so be cool and try to maintain a professional and open demeanor.
5.Don’t ask for too many favors – Don’t be “that guy”…the guy who is constantly asking for a ReTweet, a Digg, a Stumble, or whatever else. If you ask for too many favors, you become a pest. And when that happens, all future requests for favors get ignored, making it difficult for you to gain any traction with your marketing efforts. So, by all means, ask for favors, but don’t overdo it.
6.Venting your emotions publicly – Avoid expressing your emotions on social networking sites as they are open and public. The impression your emotions can leave on people could be negative and long lasting and sometimes lead to unwanted consequences. Recently, a public school teacher in U.S. lost her job, when she got angry with her students and posted it in her facebook wall. Obviously, you don't want to be in such a situation.
How’s your social media etiquette? Are there any rules you’d add to this list?
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