Social media etiquette refers to the guidelines that companies and individuals use to maintain their online reputation.
As social media channels have become one of the primary channels of communication in the modern world, common social rules are spreading into digital environments.
Just as social etiquette impacts how people behave around others in society, social media etiquette includes online guidelines to follow.
The basics of social media etiquette
The expectations of social media etiquette differ from one platform to another. For example, reposting a user’s content on Instagram requires much more care than retweeting someone on Twitter.
On the other hand, there are some basic dos and don’ts that can apply universally to all platforms:
- Do not be overly promotional. Avoid messaging all your customers asking them to buy your products and try not to overshare advertisements on your page. Cultivate your social profiles to be a blend of promotional and valuable content.
- Avoid over-automation. Although scheduling your posts in advance and automating analytics is helpful, avoid automating everything. Some things still need that human touch.
- Handle your hashtags carefully. Do not use too many hashtags on a single post. In Instagram, you can use 30 hashtags in a single caption, but it’s important not to overdo it.
- Don’t bad-mouth your competition. Avoid low-blows. Being petty and speaking negatively about your competitors online will damage your reputation more than it hurts theirs.
- Be authentic and genuine. Do not try to pose as something you’re not. Your customers can learn whatever they need to know about your brand online today and authenticity will go a long way.
Why is social media etiquette important?
Organizations can no longer simply delete messages that generate poor reactions. One mistake has the power to make or break a business.
Social media etiquette is often embedded into the rules of a social media policy for modern brands and businesses. This policy usually shares a complete code of conduct for any team member who interacts with a social channel:
- Protect against legal and security issues. If you exist in an industry with strict privacy and compliance laws, your system will keep you in line with the regulations.
- Empower staff. When your employees know how to share content safely online, they can represent and advocate for your business, without harming your reputation.
- Defend your brand. Social etiquette ensures that everyone who interacts with your brand on social media will view it as a credible, professional business.