As in everyday life there are ways to interact with people, behave in situations and, as our parents told us, to mind our manners.  This also applies when you use social media.  There are certain rules and etiquette to follow to maintain a solid social media presence.  Whether you just have a personal Facebook page or are posting on sites for your business, here are some rules to follow to make your social media use a pleasant one.

Are you following the rules for social media etiquette?

1:  Of course mind your language!  Using fowl language is becoming more and more acceptable but there are still a boat load of people who don’t want to hear it or read it.  If you know your followers  and they don’t mind then go ahead.   Of course, your future employer may be reading it too.

2:  Make the time to engage.  Don’t just post and run.  If someone is speaking with you through posts be sure to answer them back.  Social Media is about being social.  Did you niece post about an accomplishment?  Tell her good job!  On the business front, the number one complaint people have about business fan pages is that when they try and interact with the company they get no response.  This can turn loyal customers to a competitor.   Be sure that you are responding in a timely manner.

3:  Keep your postings interesting.  Do you like to hear someone post every morning that they are at Starbucks getting their half-caff cinnamon latte?  I am sure there is a lot of interesting things going on in your life that your friends and followers would love to hear about.  They do want to know about your life, just not the mundane stuff.  If you have a business page don’t always push the sale.  We always refer to the hatred of the “used car salesman” so don’t be him!  Tips, tricks, pictures and valuable content is key!  Ask questions and get your followers engaged.

4.  Keep your content original.  Don’t highjack other people’s content, posts, information or pictures without giving them credit.  We you start claiming other peoples work as your own you will most likely be called on it, and not in a nice way.  Sharing is always fine but be sure you are not claiming it as your own.  On your business pages and profiles you always want to give the original person the credit for articles, quotes or memes.  Keep your content original, in your own voice.

5.  Promoting your agenda.  Always ask if you can post your business or event on other people’s profiles.  You can post whatever you like on your own pages.  Ask your friends, family and followers to share if you want to get the word out.  Posting your event, article, blog or business profile on someone else’s page is like invading their personal space.  It will usually leave a bad taste in that persons’ mouth and make them less likely to support you.  I’ve even seen people get blocked because of it.

Save the Drama for Your Mama!

6.  Avoid the Drama.  As the saying goes “Save the Drama for your Mama!”  Do not air your dirty laundry, pick fights or bad mouth others.  Keep all that off line.  Social Media is somewhere people like to spend time and see all the good going on.  It has also become a place to learn about breaking news.  Sometimes that news is bad or tragic but try not to dwell on that or expand on the negativity of it.  Yes, some people love the drama but it is best to avoid it.

Are there any other etiquette tips you would like to add to this list?  Let me know!  We can connect on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest or YouTube.