As you can see, there are lots of methods for using social media to promote your business and your reputation. But there are also some things NOT to do. Let’s touch on a few “do's and don’ts”.
DO show a personal side to your business. Share enough of your personal world to be human and fun, like office pets or team outings. DO create a new Twitter handle, and Instagram account for your work persona, and encourage your staff to do the same. Create a Facebook business page rather than using your personal page. DO keep conversations professional - Make sure you don’t flirt or argue, complain, brag or get too intimate with personal details or photos online. Remember that the entire world is watching these exchanges and will make assessments accordingly.
DON’T get too personal - Protect your privacy by keeping your work and home social media lives separate DON’T discuss politics - We all know political discussions can get nasty. Social media is full of politically charged discussions now more than ever, and it may be tempting to join in at times, but we suggest you steer clear and avoid offending customers needlessly.
DO be ethical and honest. Honesty—or dishonesty—will be quickly noticed in the social media environment.
If you’re online, you’re on the record—everything on the Internet is public and searchable. So:
- DON’T share any confidential information
- DON’T make promises that aren’t backed up
- DON’T make claims you can’t support
- DON’T slam vendors, tenants or the competition
DO keep your cool. There may be times when customers, residents or tenants want to interact negatively with you on social media, and you should be prepared.
Here are some things to be cautious of or avoid:
DON’T engage with trolls - Some people just want to complain and bait you into a fight. While it is important to engage initially to let them know you care about their opinion, continuing to engage may put you at risk of escalating the issue and attracting more attention. Follow our 3-Step plan for crisis management.
DO take responsibility. Did you screw up? If you make a mistake, admit it. Be upfront and be quick with a correction. If you modify an earlier post—just make it clear that you have done so.