• Stacy-Ann Hayles
• On July 4, 2012
• http://www.stacyannhayles.com

Don’t:

1. Blast advertisements constantly. Your Twitter page is not a TV, radio or billboard. This is a conversation platform, not a broadcasting medium.
2. Get too comfortable with fans by using profane, obscene or offensive language, even if fans do. This will tarnish your overall brand image. This also applies to ‘adult’ brands. You can be funny and engaging without being outrageous.
3. Ignore your brand altogether to focus on trends and hot topics that are irrelevant and meaningless. Fans may not want to see ads all the time but they do want to know more about your business and its offerings.
4. Use all text, all the time. Attention span online is short – make sure you are using visually appealing content such a pictures and videos to draw people in.
5. Expect all pay with no work. Social media is not the end all, be all and it won’t work by itself and without effort. It is a part of your overall marketing strategy and should be treated as such.

Do

1. Engage in conversations with your fans. This is easiest to become ‘one of them’ and let them see you as a more of a friend and less of a brand infiltrator just trying to sell them something.
2. Share your views on topic relevant to your industry and ask for fans’ opinions , without getting into political or religious debates.
3. Offer giveaways of your products or products that appeal to your main target audience. Studies have shown that brands that offer giveaways tend to have more fans, however be mindful of what you offering as prizes. Make sure the attention you are getting is from persons genuinely interested in your product.
4. Branch out into ‘niche’ networks that are specifically related to your brand or field. It is better to focus your attention on an audience of 100 who you have already shown interest rather than 1000 random person.
5. Monitor what is said about your brand online, as well as your competitors. Share the positives, rectify the negatives and engage those who are neutral.

Add your do’s and don’ts in the comments below!