What NOT To Do On Social Media
Recently I’ve been getting the conversation going across different platforms on the things that people hate about Social Media users – and boy did everyone have an opinion on this!
If you’re using it personally and have it 100% locked down to close friends and family, some of these I wouldn’t worry too much about. However, as usual – stay away from anything offensive.
Here are the most popular habits that I have found that social media users HATE.
The Same Message Across Platforms
Every platform has different types of content that work best, and often, your audience follows you across multiple platforms. Do not post the same post on LinkedIn as you do on Facebook, chances are it won’t work. LinkedIn is to be used for professional networking and by posting irrelevant memes etc, you can end up with a backlash (hey, LinkedIn users can get fussy about the content!).
Make sure to change the message across every platform. You can post a piece of content a few weeks/months later on another platform providing it is still relevant – but do this on a rare basis.
Consistently Posting Selfies
Whether this is on your timeline or on the stories feature of respective platforms, stop doing it. Your selfie is not providing any value. If you’re constantly posting selfies like just because you feel good or “because it’s content” – it’s going to detract away from your brand message. What value does this selfie have?
If you are going to post a selfie, keep it relevant and add a text post to put it into context.
Pictures Of Your Dinner
Maybe one picture of a meal with business associates once in a blue moon, but stop posting them every day. It’s like selfies, why do people want to see this? How is this going to make your audiences day better?
Bragging
There is taking pride in your achievements/success and then there is downright bragging. Do not hold yourself on a pedestal. Showing images of your bank account every day (usually, some industries it will be relevant for) or the things you buy does not help your audience, it makes you look like a turd. Once in a blue moon, yes, but only with a relevant text post with it.
If you get some awesome results for a client, brilliant! If you’ve got a great testimonial, awesome! Pictures of your latest shopping trip and a stack of notes… nope.
If you want a slightly more in depth look at the psychology of how people judge you online, here’s a pretty neat article.
Companies (Or Anyone!) Commenting On Political Issues
This one sparked a debate in a couple of Facebook Groups as some are for and some are against. However, with this you’re not going to please everyone so to be on the safe side I’d stay out of it. For instance, in the recent US election, lots think it was controversial to vote for Hillary Clinton and lots think it is controversial to vote for Donald Trump – there are bound to be split opinions.
When the political season in your country rolls around – keep your mouth schtum 😀
Automatic DMs and Comments
Social Media is supposed to be social, not automated. Yes there is a place for scheduled posts, they’re not an issue – but automatic messages whenever somebody follows you is just down right annoying and impersonal. If this is a tactic you like to use, consider turning it off and spending time to write a personal message to your new followers – look at the difference in your reply rate.
Asking For Free Stuff
There are always a few in the business circles always asking for free stuff. Somebody posts a new product and somebody hops on a private messaging asking to “beta test” or simply just asking for it for free.
Not only does this make somebody look cheap, it also devalues the person who created the product or provides the service. You wouldn’t like it if people asked you to give your time and skills for nothing.
Livestreaming And Driving
I get it, youre a busy business person and you may have spare time to talk whilst driving, but this is downright dangerous and I believe – illegal. Simply stop doing it and focus on the road ahead.
Generic Engagement Boosters
Describe Your Day In a GIF, Like Ladders, Comment to get etc- they usually look unprofessional. In some ways you can use these but be creative and use them wisely.
Like ladders should never be used as they will fill your page with irrelevant likes, thus making your posts seen by LESS relevant people. Any Social Media Manager who condones this is misleading you.
Comment to receive a link to something can be relevant if it is limited to a certain amount of people, however I would recommend having a landing page that has a limit on who can sign up and then have a waiting list. Although it can increase your engagement for a period, it can look spammy.