I've been hearing in the news frequently about businesses screwing things up for themselves on social media platforms and creating a firestorm of negative consumer reactions. Whether it's businesses posting stupid crap themselves or making asses of themselves in responses to customer feedback online, none of it is acceptable or good for business. In turn, it can create a false sense of fear and trepidation among other business owners about using social media platforms as a key component of their marketing strategy. But...

Don't let this scare you away!

Social Media is an astonishingly effective marketing tool and should be a top priority in your marketing campaigns. To aid business owners in how to use social media I've created two short list of 5 things to DO and 5 things to NOT do on social media to give you the best results.

Do's:

Be Authentic! You have real products and services to offer and you should be as authentic online as you are in your place of business. Your brand presence should reflect your business identity accurately both online and offline.
Be Conversational! These are real people online who are interested in you, treat them as you would a potential customer standing in front of you. If they ask a question online be sure to answer online as well. If they compliment you, thank them!
Be Consistent! Post as frequently as you can but be consistent about committing to doing it every day, week or month. Schedule time in your day to work on SM posts.
Be Positive! Your message should be about the good things in your business and industry. Be brand cheerleaders!
Be Relevant! Keep your messages about your business, products and industry. Stay on topic and make sure your message brings value to your audience.

Don'ts:

Don't be phony. Don't be dishonest about what you can offer, don't lie, don't overstate.
Don't Preach or Lecture. This is not a one sided monologue this is a conversation. People won't want to work with you if you lecture or preach at them. (except right this second, and with me, right?)
Don't be sporadic. It's not one and done. If you post something check back in and then post again and again. There are ways to schedule posts in advance too. (like this one)
Don't be an asshole. This should go without saying BUT to be safe I'm going to say it. Unless you are a politician or clergy don't discuss your personal politics or religious beliefs. Avoid slamming customers, coworkers, competitors or tearing down other businesses.
Don't go off topic. No one following your business online cares about your outside interests so don't annoy your followers by posting content that doesn't relate to your business.

See? NOT scary at all!

Mwah-ha-haaa!

(I hear this in my head in the voice of The Count from Sesame Street)

Because of the vast opportunity to grow your business using social media it is especially important to make the commitment to being there with consistency. But if you don't have time or talent to manage your online presence there are many services and professionals (like me) that can take care of this for you. If you'd like to chat with me about how to do this, contact me here.