Here is our list of social media do’s and don’ts. It is a general list, applicable across all social networks. There are more specific tips and tricks for each individual network but this should be a good start for anyone still navigating their way through the social media minefield.
DO…
- ensure your page is set up correctly, don’t set up your Facebook page as a ‘friend’ page, your business page must be set up as a business page
- have a plan – what is your objective? How does this fit in with your overall strategy?
- get to know your followers – engage with people – build relationships
- ask a question? Respond, every time.
- respond to criticism. Don’t engage in online warfare
- listen to what people are saying about your industry/your business
- use hashtags – search first, be relevant, don’t overuse
- encourage people to take action
- experiment with posting at different times, research what works best for you
- trial Facebook advertising and promote your posts, small investment for better reach
- link your social networks from your website and other forms of communication, i.e. newsletters
- use photos, graphic images, video
- support other businesses – follow, like and share other business page posts
- schedule your posts
- be professional, and personal – mix it up
- be original!
DON’T…
- don’t put your logo in the cover image and a generic photo in the profile pic, put your logo in the profile pic so that your posts are branded and recognisable. No one knows that a cat or a product image is your business!
- don’t make it all about sales for you. What is in it for the consumer?
- don’t delegate to the youth on the front desk, or your own teenager – this is a marketing tool and you need to protect your brand – make sure the voice of your brand is being communicated
- don’t use like and share as contest parameters
- don’t offer meaningless and irrelevant giveaways
- don’t post too often
- don’t not do anything!
- don’t plagiarise – use original content
- don’t ignore messages and posts. If you post, put up a question, or people engage with you, respond back – exactly like you would if you were having a conversation. One of the worse cases is when businesses talk about themselves or on receiving awesome news or an award they have been given for their business, that on being congratulated back by followers, there is not return ‘thanks’. Acknowledge your followers at all times!
- don’t be afraid to give out advice, share tips – VALUE!
- don’t obsess about ‘likes’ to your page. Organic growth is best.
Finally…
- beware on making political or social commentary or rants – on any cause! Keep this to your personal page
- avoid commentary or rants about your business
- acknowledge national events and tragedies; postpone marketing efforts accordingly
- tone down jokes
- have fun!
Contact us if you would like to discuss your social media or online marketing needs. Perhaps you would benefit from one-on-one social media coaching? Based in Geelong, we are more than happy and qualified to assist you.