The topic of social etiquette has come up on a near daily basis lately. What are the Dos and Don’ts of Social Media?
While there are only a few “hard and fast” rules, much of what is considered proper etiquette is subjective. I guess when it comes down to it things can always be considered subjective (to some), like whether you should throw a temper tantrum in public or wash your hands after using the restroom.
I think you get what I mean … while social media etiquette may be “subjective” there are certain areas that should be common sense.
For instance…
On Facebook:
1. It’s never wise to break the ToS (terms of service). It’s especially loathsome when social “experts” violate ToS.
2. It’s not appropriate to create an event on Facebook and blanket-invite all of your friends. You should select attendees carefully and send a personalized invitation.
3. Mass tagging photos with people (who aren’t actually in the photo) to spike engagement or interaction is also a no-no. It is considered quite rude and is SPAM.
On Twitter:
1. Locking your tweets (if you’re a professional) is silly, and “so not social.”
2. Overusing hashtags or keyword stuffing your Twitter (or any) bio is a nasty habit, and 99% of us know what you’re up to, buddy.
3. Fire hosing or tweeting on rapid fire is certainly not proper social use. It would be like going to a cocktail party and having diarrhea of the mouth – where’s the connection and conversation in that?!
On LinkedIn:
1. Using the listed personal email of a contact, or their LI inbox for that matter, to send sales and marketing messages is considered SPAM. It’s called social media – why don’t you try for a personal message to feel out your connection’s interest in your product/service/venue?
2. Accepting endorsements or recommendations that are CLEARLY not in your area of expertise is just plain greedy. For instance, you wouldn’t list that you’re HootSuite certified on your website when you’re not! Why do it on LinkedIn?
3. Joining LI Groups to tout your own company, products or services makes a mockery of what Groups are intended for. There’s a time and a place to boast – 99.99% of the time, it’s not in your LI Group.
Other General Rules of Thumb:
1. Following your competitors online is one thing, stalking them is quite another and can actually be seen as cyber bullying. Make sure your “research” is in line with what’s appropriate.
2. Your picture, avatar, cover photo and custom images should reflect your brand and represent you in a professional light. That cropped picture of you in a tube top last summer?? Not what people want to see from a professional!
3. I’ve said it before, but connecting your Facebook and Twitter accounts isn’t a well-planned strategy for reaching two different audiences. While it may save you time, it doesn’t bode well for most savvy marketers.
What tips would you add?
See you in the social sphere!
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