Whilst I wait for an insurance call to finish, so I can continue bugging people with sales calls (no, even within Social Media, sales calls are still worth it – it says to people we’re still thinking of you. The aim is to say ‘I’m still thinking of you,’ without bugging the hell out of them), I’ve decided to write a quick, but highly important note on the Dos and Don’ts of Social Media.

This is a topic that’s harped on about quite a bit, but usually with high-tech jargon that leaves the every-day user baffled and feeling rather stupid. I hate feeling stupid, so I’m going to help you avoid that, by making the Dos and Don’ts of Social Media really easy to follow.

Do:

1. Remind people you are there: A post a day is good, two perhaps, but at least two or three times a week. Your name and logo are a must – Social Media is about connecting and branding.
2. Post things that aren’t about your product, your company or that lead to your website: Include these, by all means, but don’t only post marketing material. People will get bored and unfollow you. Give ‘em a little something to keep their interest up. Don’t forget my previous post, ‘Why whacking ‘em on the head with marketing won’t work’, Social Media is about building relationships and this is how you go about it.
3. Have a bit of fun: there’s no harm in posting a funny picture about motivation, or the latest Madam & Eve cartoon. This not only shows people you’re human, but also promotes sharing – giving your page more exposure. Remember: in social media, marketing is personal, not professional.
4. Get a personality: I don’t mean this in a bad way, but, as above, people want to know you’re human. I’m not saying respond to people with a “Yo, Dude, thanks for the share!” (unless your page is music related or happens to target ‘Yo, Dude’ type people). You’re more than welcome to moan about your day (in a non-expletive kind of way). Chat to people and don’t be overly professional. People don’t want to comment on  your page and have “Many thanks for your input. A consultant will get back to you shortly” as a response. Talk like you would to your favourite client, but perhaps not your best friend.
5. Retweet, share, reply and comment: this is vital to your social media strategy. Interaction is the key to online success. Sharing and interacting with individuals and companies proves to users that you’re not there for your own benefit, that you’re helping others get publicity, whilst caring about what’s happening online. Be a part of the movement, don’t drift in and out prattling on about what interests you only.
6. Finally, the most important ‘Do’ of Social Media: Respond to everything.

When I was young, my father used to tell me the story of his friend, who failed to study for some highly important finance exam. When they rocked up together, the poor bloke sat down to read his exam and realised that he knew absolutely nothing. So, instead of giving up and walking away, under the question he wrote “I cannot answer your question, but I can draw a horse” and subsequently spent the next three hours drawing a horse.

He got 2% for that exam. The teacher later explained that he received 1% for the horse and the other 1% for spelling his name right.

He may not have answered right, but he answered, if you take anything away with you, take that. Always answer. If someone comments, shares or replies, always answer – always draw the horse.

The insurance call has finished and I need coffee, so I’ll continue with the ‘Don’ts’ section of the Dos and Don’ts of Social Media later on, but at least for now, you have something to work with. After all, you regret more the things you didn’t do, than the things you did.

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