Social media offers a unique opportunity to engage your audience in a more personalized setting. Although, if not managed properly, you can run into various problems within these candid conversations. So, without further ado, here are a few social media taboos to avoid.
Don’t Spam Your Followers
You need to engage your audience by posting often, but you shouldn’t overdo it. Eventually, followers will become tired and annoyed of your company’s constant posts and might even unfollow. According to Buffer, here’s how often you should post:
- Twitter: 14 times per day, from midnight to 10:00 p.m. Central Time, never more than once per hour; seven times per day on weekends, from 3:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., roughly every three hours.
- Facebook: 2 times per day, seven days a week, from 10:08 a.m. to 3:04 p.m.
- LinkedIn: 1 time per day, 8:14 a.m., no weekends.
- Google+ : 2 times per day, 9:03 a.m. and 7:04 p.m., no weekends.
Don’t Use Generic Hashtags
Use hashtags with caution. You should define your hashtag so it reaches the right audience without being distorted by the public. For example, McDonald’s created the hashtag #McDStories in the hopes that people would share inspiring tales of when they ate at the fast-food chain. Instead, people began sharing stories of disgust and undesirable experiences at their restaurants.
Don’t Ignore Comments
It’s very important to respond to followers questions or comments whether they are positive or negative. If you get a negative comment or concern, do not engage in some sort of war. Kindly apologize to them and ask if there’s anything you can do to help. This will give your other followers a feel that your company is very professional and kind. Your followers want to be answered. When you respond, it lets them feel that you care about their experiences. This shows proper engagement and an element of transparency.
Don’t Post Anything Offensive
Always keep a positive approach on your accounts. Engaging with negative feedback or offensive comments can result in an overwhelming backlash from your audience. This form of insensitivity not only promotes more negativity, it presents your brand in a negligent manner. If you have to think twice before posting something, then you probably shouldn’t post it.
If you’d like to learn more about social media marketing or advertising in general, make sure to watch this space as well as our various social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, and Linkedin!
