Do This, Not That: Facebook Etiquette Part 1

Chelsea Oliver

Posted on: April 8, 2014

Posted by: Chelsea Oliver

Categories: Development

Something we haven’t covered yet here at YaBlog is the question of etiquette. A great resource for marketers and business owners, Facebook contributes positively to promotion, Web traffic and much more. However, many newbies aren’t quite sure how to sell their page the right way and avoid appearing disingenuous or “spammy.” Follow these 6 etiquette tips to leave the right impression.

Facebook Etiquette 1 1. Don’t Over-Post

Bombarding others’ newsfeeds with posts is a surefire way to attract negative attention. Multiple posts in a short period of time can lead to users “hiding” your page or even “unliking” it. Social Media Today recommends a posting schedule of 4 to 5 times per week for brands, and not more than twice per day.

2. Quiet Down During Tragedies

If you have a Facebook post scheduled in the wake of a national or global tragedy, don’t do it. It’s highly insensitive of brands to continue posting and promoting themselves during these times. Cancel posting for the time being and, out of respect, avoid cookie-cutter messages such as “We are sending our thoughts…” If you feel the need to say something, consider providing a link for your audience to donate to the cause.

3. Don’t Copy

Don’t copy the Facebook statuses of other individuals and businesses. This goes without saying.

4. Stay Upbeat

Nobody likes a Debbie Downer and this rings true for Facebook marketing as well. Whether you run an independent coffee shop, financial services firm or a business in between, maintain a positive voice. Avoid posts that may be construed as “ranting” and do not leave negative comments on other pages or in response to comments left on your page.
Facebook Etiquette 2

5. Don’t Overuse Hashtags

Facebook hashtags, introduced in summer 2013, are still a pretty new thing. Similarly to Twitter, it’s best to use only a small number of relevant hashtags in a single post. While there isn’t much data available on how hashtags are being used on this social network yet, time will if it has staying power.

6. The “80/20 Rule” Is Golden

When it comes to providing your audience with content, the 80/20 rule states that 80% of Facebook posts should be all about user engagement, while the other 20% should be self promotional. It’s important to gain the trust of your audience, and interact with them, before you try to sell them your goods or services.

When it comes to proper Facebook etiquette, brands should avoid overposting, overusing hashtags, excess negativity and being a “copy cat.” Following the 80/20 rule is a great way to generate user engagement and gain a wide audience, and rescheduling posting is essential to respecting national tragedies. Stay tuned for Part 2, which will list another 6 helpful tips!

Image Credits: Brainz & Digital Training Institute











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