Basic Social Media Etiquette to Expand Your Reach

Social media is an incredibly powerful tool for individuals and businesses to expand their reach and connect with a wider audience. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and it is important to understand and practice social media etiquette to ensure that these platforms are being used in an effective and respectful manner. In this article, we’ll discuss what basic social media etiquette is and a few tips to expand your reach and connect with your audience.

Social media etiquette refers to both spoken and unspoken conventional social rules of online personal and business behaviour. It dictates how people conduct themselves on social media, so they remain respectful and respectable. It’s important to be aware of these rules and adhere to them so you don’t offend or upset anyone.

The key to use social media responsibly is being mindful of the impact your words and actions can have on other people. They can have a lasting impact on our reputation.

Why Social Media Etiquette Matters

It matters because it reflects on your personal and professional brand. If you post content that is offensive or inappropriate, it can have a negative impact on your reputation and that of your business. It is important because it can help you build relationships. If you’re respectful and courteous when interacting with people on social media, they’ll be more likely to trust and respect you.

Finally, social media etiquette is important in building your network. If you engage with people in a positive and respectful way, they’ll be more likely to want to connect with you and build a relationship.

Tips for Maintaining Professionalism on Social Media

1. Be mindful of what you post: Before posting anything on social media, take a moment to think about how it could be perceived by others. Ask yourself if it could be seen as offensive or unprofessional, and consider how it could impact your professional reputation.

2. Use appropriate language and tone: Use appropriate language and tone while communicating on social media. Avoid using slang or inappropriate language that could be seen as offensive.

3. Be mindful of other people’s privacy: Do not share private information or photos of others, without their permission.

4. Avoid controversial topics: Avoid discussing controversial topics such as politics, religion, or sensitive topics. These topics can create tension and conflict, and can damage your professional reputation.

5. Be respectful and courteous: When interacting with others online, refrain from sending unsolicited messages or emails, and do not attack or insult other people. Mindful of others’ feelings and opinions, and avoid engaging in arguments or personal attacks.

Three Common Mistakes to Avoid on Social Media

One of the most common mistakes people make on social media is posting content that is overly promotional. This will come across as spamming and can lead people to unfollow you or block you.

Don’t engage in online brand wars or bad-mouth your competitor. There have been instances where global brands have taken their brand wars to social media. These petty fights will often cause harm to the reputation of the one that started the fight rather than to the competitor.

Not responding to relevant comments and messages in a timely manner is a very common mistake that many don’t pay attention to. This can make people feel like you don’t value their opinion, and can lead them to unfollow you.

Another common mistake is posting content that is poorly written, or full of typos and grammatical errors. This will make you look unprofessional and can lead people to stop following you and your brand.

Conclusion

Practising good social media etiquette can help you build relationships & networks, and ensure that your content is seen in the right light. So, take the time to understand and practice good social media etiquette and leverage the power of social media responsibly.

About Author:
Sukesh is a seasoned professional in the realm of Digital Marketing, Digital Transformation, and Corporate Communications. With well over two decades years of experience, he brings in a unique combination of technical communications and digital marketing domains. He possesses a solid track record of applying and delivering the best digital marketing current practices; digital tactics; and content & people management skills across industry sectors, and has made significant impact at a range of organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, and the views expressed in this article are his own. Sukesh has a Bachelor of Science degree. He has also completed a Post Graduate Program in Digital Transformation, from Purdue University.