As a social media trainer, I observe a lot of people using great techniques to reach people on sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. There are many ways to use social media to connect and communicate with people online. It’s easy to develop relationships and support others.
I have also seen people using strategies that can only be described as spam.
I want to encourage you to take the high road when posting on social media.
Avoid using underhanded tactics to get your message out there. For example, do not post a message on your Facebook Wall and then tag 46 people in it just so the message will appear on their Wall. I consider that spam and so do most people.
Will Rogers said, “It takes a lifetime to build a good reputation, but you can lose it in a minute.”
Here are 3 suggestions on what NOT to do:
1) Post on someone else’s Facebook Wall
Do not post a promotional message on someone else’s’ Facebook Wall unless you have permission.
I used to allow people to post on my Wall, but some people used the opportunity to post spam. So, now I only allow people to post comments. I like comments and it gives me more control over the messages being shared and the interaction.
Don’t take a risk by trying to promote your business to someone else’s friends. It can do more harm than good.
If someone invites you to share details about your business on their Facebook Wall (personal) or their Facebook Page (business), then do so.
Otherwise, don’t do it.
Be aware that other people may mark your posts as spam.
2) Sending a Private Facebook Message to a Group of People
From time to time, I receive messages through Facebook where I am one of 200 or more people.
Of course, this is not really a private message and very quickly it turns into a free-for-all.
It’s usually unclear who started the message or why the message was sent.
I would caution you not to send a group message like this to people. It’s annoying.
It’s much better to send messages to one person and then have a conversation back and forth.
If you get invited to a Group Message, you can simply leave the conversation.
Click Actions and then select Leave Conversation.
3) Blasting the same message over and over
Marketing is more successful when you repeat messages over time consistently.
But beware of tweeting or sharing the same exact message over and over too often.
People will remember and they will be annoyed.
Make sure that you alternate promotional message son social media with informational messages or personal details.
Use the 80/20 Rule.
80% of your messages should be informational and no more than 20% of your messages (posts)should be promotional.
Strive to use social media in a way that builds relationships.
Focus on adding value.
People will remember you, and they will refer you.
3 comments
I am enjoying your blog. It is full of information that I need RIGHT NOW!! These were great simple, to the point tips. I look forward to working with you and getting my own marketing and networking on a productive track. So blessed that the Lord crossed our paths. His timing is always perfect!
Great reminders, Rick! It’s so unfortunate that some people don’t have this common courtesy – both on social media and elsewhere.
I just went through this today with an unexpected phone call from a woman I’d never had any interaction with before. She called me after looking at recent domain purchase records, got my phone number from that, and called me to see if I’d like to hire her company for web design services!
After telling her how rude and inappropriate I thought her actions were, I hung up and then reported that phone number to DoNotCall.gov.
Thank you for this helpful post, Rick. I was clueless about social media before I took your course. I know you will be my “go to guy” for a long time to come. Thanks again.