Social Media Data Insights & Resources for Social Media
In a culture where getting the most likes, re-tweets, shares or comments is a driving force not just for adolescents but for thriving corporations, you’d think the playing field would be a little more level. However, the end result is both very different for these two camps and yet very much the same. The more positive social media responses you get, the more you feel loved, adored, accepted and seen. This is important for both teens and businesses, but only with businesses can it directly impact their bottom line. How do you garner the good and sidestep the bad (like unintentional flame wars or hijacked comment threads)?
It starts with knowing what you should and shouldn’t do as a business, which isn’t always the same set of rules as with your personal social media space. These rules might shift and mutate throughout the years, but the basic foundation stays the same. However, implementing them is far trickier than simply acknowledging them. Every time you make a business post or tweet, make sure they pass the seven major do’s and don’ts list. It’ll save you time, energy and the stress of waiting in vain for that first thumbs up to arrive.
1. Do post at the right time
There’s a right time of day for you to post to get the most action, and it can vary depending on your energy. Most people get the majority of their attention if they post Tuesday-Thursday either around 10am or 3:30pm. This is when people are in work mode (or at least settled into it for the week) and are in a morning or afternoon slump. Mondays, people are still fired up from the weekend and on Fridays they’re ready to leave. Exceptions, of course, apply to industries with geo targets around the world or businesses such as party promoters who need to get people in the doors during odd hours.
2. Do use quality content
This applies to text (it should be conversational yet professional), images (high quality and applicable) and videos (short and sweet). It doesn’t matter how relevant the content is if it’s of poor quality. Remember that each post is a reflection of the business.
3. Do tag when appropriate
You don’t want your business feed to look like a high schooler’s, so you need to branch out. When and if applicable (and this won’t apply to all businesses), feel free to tag. Just make sure you share the love so that nobody feels excluded. For example, if you have only a handful of customers who can’t get enough of the vegan flaxseeds you sell, tag them when a sale happens but also warmly welcome everyone to check them out.
4. Don’t hashtag haphazardly
Many people will say hashtags belong solely in the Twitter realm, but there’s no denying that they’ve spread. If your business makes sense with them (younger and trendy), use them, but sparingly.
5. Don’t read like an advertisement
Like it or not, your posts are for your readers, not for you. Give them something with every post whether it’s an offer, entertainment, or genuine tips that people will really use. This isn’t a marketing platform (well, it can be, but not an overt one).
6. Don’t like everything
In desperation to engage, some businesses vehemently like every single comment. This reads as desperate, just like it would in dating, so play it a little cool. Comment back and like when appropriate, but don’t go overboard.
7. Don’t bite off more than you can chew
You probably don’t need to be on 10 different social media sites. Nobody in the office has experience managing SM for business? Hire a professional. If you can’t post at least three times per week and garner good attention, it’s time for an overhaul.
About The Author
Larry Alton is an independent business consultant specializing in social media trends, business, and entrepreneurship. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.
