Digital Marketing Insights

Social media is a lively, very chilled out workspace! And you tend to think it’s all about chilling on social platforms and starting conversations, right? WRONG!!!

There is a lot more to social media than just blah blah. Sure we spend a good amount of out day browsing, listening to music, downloading when the bosses aren’t around (just kidding!), but what we do is professionally is so much more. We build brands, tell their stories, connect with people, etc.; which I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about already. But this is not about what we do; this is about what we don’t do…and what you shouldn’t do on social media too!

For obvious reasons, you DO NOT and I mean DO NOT make the mistake of liking your own post! It is just not done! This is actually a common error made by many pages, especially if the page has too many admins on it. It is better to have no likes on the post (doesn’t make you seem so desperate) than like posts yourself. Just keep calm…the likes will come!

Check your content for faults and flaws before you put it out on a public profile. It is extremely embarrassing to have a fan point out your mistake. And if that does happen, don’t make it an ego issue. Acknowledge and apologise. In case you’re addressing a controversial issue or topic through your content, get it whetted from your team members before you put it out.

Ignorance is not bliss in this line of work. You just have to get your facts right before you post them. Remember that you may be the admin of the page, but it’s still the client who you represent. It’s the client’s reputation at stake if you make careless errors, and that is very unprofessional. Getting a fact wrong may not affect you much, but on the bigger playing field, where you are constantly under the scrutiny of peers, competitors, and customers, it makes a BIG difference!

If you plan to use someone else’s image or take one straight from Google, share the credit. Because you wouldn’t like it if someone stole your hard-work, right? So it goes without saying that you shouldn’t be doing it too. Considering the easy publishing, uploads, and downloads on the World Wide Web, piracy has become way too simple. Creative Commons is one way you can work around. Read details here.

While working with social media, you do, on several occasions come in contact with sensitive information; be it from the clients’ side or from the fans on the page. You CANNOT misuse that information or share it with unauthorised entities. There are no cutting corners with this; this is not just your client’s credibility that’s at stake, but also yours as a social media agency that is privy to confidential information in order to work out a digital marketing strategy that achieves its objectives.

If you plan to run paid campaigns, treat the client’s money as your own. Do NOT experiment with the funds. Create a rock solid strategy, and then implement it. Using free apps is great; but make sure you use one that does not advertise off your page, for you never know what they could be advertising for.

Moving on, Twitter, according to pretty much every digital marketing company, is the best way to get some one-on-one time with your audience. Often, Twitter has been glorified as the preferred choice of those with a higher intellect, not true though, if you haven’t guessed it yet.

Twitter is the generally preferred social network for updating the latest news. And even though we have seen a few big brands (no names) go wrong trying this, I’d still recommend that you DO NOT, under any circumstances, make the mistake of using a bad situation or negative incident to your advantage. No matter how big your brand maybe, it never is a good idea to try and get away with a quick one-off over what could be serious issue otherwise. Be sensitive to those affected by the issue and don’t laugh it off; even if it seems funny to you.

If you are a Twitter user, or if you work with a social media agency, you must be aware of what a ‘Hashtag’ is. And it is a big No-No to use one that doesn’t relate to your business, just because it is trending. Mainly, because for one, it will be out of context; and secondly, it won’t do anything good for your brand.

When coming up with a Hashtag (#), make sure it’s not an offensive one. Choose a catchy tag but steer clear from one that can be easily misused. Humour to a certain point is advised, but know your limits. Making a hurtful joke is bound to come back and bite you.

This goes without saying, but do not get into an unnecessary argument with any member of your audience. Clarifying your stand is fine, but having petty fights is not. Remember it isn’t your profile! You may be dealing with different levels of clients, but maintain their privacy. Never use a bigger client to promote a little one if they are not related, and in many cases, even if they are.

While I may just be pointing out the obvious (thank you free speech), and you’re probably thinking about how boring guidelines may be; keeping these few simple thoughts at the back of your mind will surely help you on that one confused day.

Do share your thoughts!

Until next time…

Glynford Machado