Yeah, Facebook is still a great place to keep up with far away friends, reconnect with old pals, and even make new friends. But because of its more social nature it can be easy to forget that some stuff just shouldn’t be said, done or repeated on such a visible platform. Again, a little self-editing goes a long way. Not that we’re advocating censorship here, but rather a little decorum might be the order of the day. With that, here are some top turnoffs for Facebook posts and most any other social media platform:
1. Rants about your job, boss or co-workers. Um, yeah. Bad plan here. Save this for the ear of a confidant for whom you’re at least willing to buy a beer as payment to listen to your gripes. We’ve all got work issues at one point or another. Posting them up for posterity is NOT a pro move.
2. I’m looking for a new job! Good for you. Most folks aren’t going to stick with any job until they get the golden watch and retirement party these days, but spreading this sort of news on social media is totally unprofessional – particularly if you’re posting up during work hours at your current job. Anyone seriously considering you as a new hire will likely see it, too. PM or email close friends instead.
3. All sales all the time. Yes, social media is a great place to put your product or service in front of a targeted market, but whether you’re a sho nuff business, or just hawking Tupperware on the side, give it a rest. Not just some of the time, but a lot of the time. Being constantly bombarded with sales pitches is a total turnoff. Think about creating engaging content that’ll do more than keep the commercials from bumping into each other!
4. Incomplete or incorrect advice. Crowdsourcing advice over social media is commonplace, but slow down there, Cliff Clavin. Everyone wants to be seen as an expert, but unless you’ve had personal experience with the fix, remedy, sources, etc., you’re proposing, keep it to yourself. Pro tip: if the question pertains to your biz, here’s your chance to shine!
5. Random or cryptic posts. This one is personal. Sure we’ve all got inside jokes or one-offs we share with friends. A singular, “Why!?” or, “WTF?” gives me nothing to go on, other than make me wonder why I keep you in my Facebook timeline. Keep these crazy bits in your head, or take just another moment to elaborate.
6. TMI. Yes, too much PERSONAL information. We’re all happy that your colonoscopy came back clean, but perhaps this is not the place for such personal detail. Especially if you’re posting the video.
7. Guilt trips. Just don’t. Look, I grew up Catholic. I can flat do me some guilt trips. But please don’t tell me I don’t love puppies, Elvis, the environment, etc., if I don’t share your post, make it my profile picture or whatever. Again, just don’t.
8. Hardcore political or religious rants. We’ve all got our own strong opinions on these subjects, and guess what?! There are groups, forums and chat rooms for you to find like-minded folk with which to commiserate. Seek them out. Read, rant, repeat as necessary.
9. Food porn. We’re over it. Enough said.
10. Facebook fights. Again, we’ve all got opinions. By all means, share. It’s your profile page. But don’t instigate a virtual, verbal Facebook battle. No one will come out on top here, and odds are high you’ll do more to offend folks than to create allies.
The list goes on! Contact us at well-run media for more about using Facebook, twitter or other social media platforms to engage your customers or enhance your personal or professional brand.