The way you conduct yourself through your social media accounts is a direct reflection on your business. If you are a consultant and you are your business, it’s so critical to follow social media netiquette (internet etiquette). Here are 9 golden social media communication rules.
- Always proofread, check for grammar, misspellings and use proper punctuation.
- DON’T USE ALL CAPS or multiple exclamation points. This is construed as yelling.
- Avoid abbreviations unless you @ hyperlink them so everyone knows what you mean.
- Avoid sarcasm. This can lead to misinterpretation and come off as non-professional.
- Be courteous and generate a polite tone.
- Check your words carefully. Like any written message on an online platform, your words are not private. If you aren’t alright with everyone seeing it, you shouldn’t post it.
- Don’t get into arguments. Social media is a great source not only for news, but also exchanging views. Even if you don’t agree with others, don’t let it turn into a nasty argument.
- Interact with people. If someone replies to your, say thanks or start a conversation. Social media, like the name suggests, is a social activity and no one likes to be ignored.
- Credit your sources. It’s proper to credit the original source by linking the news, photo, video, article or joke to the original source.
Most of this is common sense, but you would be surprised how many people representing their brand fail at following these simple guidelines. One thing I always suggest to clients is that before sending or posting any communication, read over it multiple times, especially if you are communicating out of anger. Your final version, once you’ve had an opportunity to forge your words better, will represent you and your business in a more professional and positive light. Trust me.