Social Media Etiquette Do’s and Don’ts for social media

Michael Schoenfelder

Social Media has created a genuine revolution in how people communicate. It distributed the power of publishing to a wider population than ever before in history. It has created a new a new social space with a new dynamic.

In this new social space, different rules govern the way people interact. For example, people are much more open and willing to share personal details about themselves.

But this increased disclosure comes with an increased sensitivity to dishonesty. Businesses wanting to participate in social media have to respect the New Etiquette.

3 Do’s of Social media

3 Do’s of Social media

Do Be Transparent

Your customer are more dubious than ever. And more perceptive than ever. If you are not fully transparent, if you have something to hide, then social media is not for you. In fact, business might not be for you - try politics.

Do Be a Business

Keep in mind that you are a business - not a person. Facebook, for example, is still notoriously difficult for businesses to use gracefully. But it makes sense because most of the things Facebook is for are not things brands do. Can you “Poke” a brand? Is a brand ever really your “Friend?”

Do Be Interesting

The only chance you have in this new world is to be interesting. There is no more buying an audience’s attention because they have gone from 20 cable channels to a near infinite amount of web sites. If you wish to use social media, you must endeavour to entertain.

3 Don’t of social media

Don’t Be Invasive

The web is far too annoying and difficult to navigate already. Don’t be part of the problem. Don’t invade your customer’s favorite blogs just to “be there.” Instead, find a way to participate in the community that adds value to the experince.

Don’t Be Arrogant

What ever you do, don’t be arrogant. The time in which business could stubbornly dig their heels in and refuse to admit blame is over. Social media allows for even a small community to make an international ordeal out of being slighted by a business. So, if you value your brand, you will learn to apologize quickly and sincerely.

Don’t Be Afraid to Innovate

Lastly, don’t hesitate to innovate. Online, innovators always win. And one of the gifts of social media is that it allows anyone to be an innovator. Rather than being confined to buying a television

or radio spot, your business could make the next big communication breakthrough ! So get out and enjoy the revolution.

Now, you’re Ready.

Go. Create.