Social media etiquette today for businesses may be different than it was several years ago. More people are on social media today than ever before. If you don’t understand social media etiquette you may lose followers or even worse, customers! So here are some do and don’ts social media etiquette you can use to inspire others on your social media channels.
The latest 2024 stats from Pew Research show some 93% of 18- to 29-year-olds indicate that they use any form of social media with YouTube being the number one channel followed by Instagram.
The increase of social media usage is for those aged 50 years old and above and they favor YouTube followed by Facebook over the other channels. The way each social channel is used may vary from the other.
Table of Contents
Define Social Media Etiquette
Social media etiquette is all about respecting others online. It’s crucial to think before you post. Always be mindful of differences in opinions and cultures.
Don’t overshare or spam with constant updates. Respond to comments and messages in a timely manner. Give credit where it’s due and don’t plagiarize content.
Use proper grammar and avoid offensive language. Remember, what you post can impact your reputation.
Of course, treat others as you’d like to be treated, and your online presence will benefit from it.
Do and Don’ts Social Media Etiquette
Businesses just as personal users on Facebook and other social media networks must be careful not to post too often. Do you still see your Facebook stream overwhelmed by a certain few users today?
The other rule of thumb I always said was not to post political topics on your social media business feed. Well, that rule of thumb has gone out the window it seems today.
However, I do still recommend that you follow that advice. Otherwise, you may end up in a battle with a client or a potential client. Is it worth it?
That is for you to decide. Or even worse, have your social media account suspended.
Hence, the one exception to the overposting rule is on X Twitter.
X Twitter Etiquette for You
Twitter is not meant for just promoting your own products and services. (That is called push marketing, being pushy!) Be sure to share other relevant content with your audience.
Engage with others on X Twitter often and thank those peeps that share your tweets. (And not just the ones in which they share your content – Selfish!)
Equally important are the retweets on Twitter. Be generous in retweets and add some content before a tweet – give others a reason to click on the tweet. Add something like: I just read and commented on this great post about XYZ. Learn more about XYZ here. Great tips from XYZ.
X Twitter is the one network where you can share often, especially if you have more followers.
Equally important, is to use your Twitter lists. This will keep you out of the political battles and issues being tweeted today more than ever before.
YouTube Etiquette
Navigating YouTube with respect and awareness isn’t just courteous—it’s crucial. Always credit original creators when you’re inspired by their content.
Remember, comments are a public forum, so keep them constructive. It’s tempting to go for clickbait titles and thumbnails, but honesty builds trust. Respond to your community like you’re chatting face-to-face—authentic connections matter.
Also, ditch the background noise; clear audio makes a world of difference. Be mindful of copyright issues—use music and media that you have the rights to.
Finally, stay consistent with your posting schedule to keep viewers engaged.
Instagram Manners for All
Instagram is now one of the hottest social networks that users log into daily. The top etiquette tip is never to share anyone else’s photo without permission. This one tip should apply to all social networks and blogs.
Hashtags are huge on Instagram, did you know you can have up to 30 hashtags there? Try to start using all of them today. Check out more great Instagram tips here to up your Instagram game.
One-third of all internet users use Instagram today and the age demographic tends to be lower. (18-29) Do note the engagement level of Instagram is higher than most of the other social networks.
Therefore, be sure to engage with others on this powerful social network.
Using social media etiquette is a must on this popular social network. Finally, be sure to check out tips here on getting started with Instagram if you haven’t already.
LinkedIn Professional Manners
Do you send a personal invitation to connect on LinkedIn? That could set you or your business apart today on this business professional social networking site.
Using groups on LinkedIn to help others and contribute is a top-notch social media etiquette tip. It’s not the place to promote your business only. Hence, be sure to remain professional throughout your interactions here.
Become known in your niche by sharing your knowledge on this network. Don’t forget to engage in a very professional manner as well. You can now also use video on this network (fairly new!).
However, be sure your videos are done in a professional manner on Linkedin. No children or pets to be included here! Unless you have a pet-related business or a daycare, etc.
Pinterest Manners
Are you always linking back to the original source on Pinterest? That along with a mention is the most polite way to be on this visual social networking site. Also, be aware not to pin away all at once each day. Schedule them out with an app like Tailwind.
Above all be sure to spread your pins out. That is another tip that could apply to all the social media channels. No one wants to see their stream or feed filled up by the same person all the time.
It’s the quickest way to lose social media followers. Be mindful of others.
Snapchat Manners
Snapchat is becoming another fast-growing network no longer just for teens. This network has grown for business use and marketing. Your snaps can become stories and be used elsewhere on the web.
Many businesses and news organizations are now using Snapchat. Always remember anything you put up online – is it okay if your mom saw it? If it passes that test you can post and snap away.
Alternative Social Media
Not only do you need to know the do and don’ts of social media etiquette on the old social media networks but also on the newer alternative social media networks that have cropped up over the past few years.
These newer social networks may include:
Many of these above social networking sites are similar to either Facebook or Twitter in nature. It’s hard to find the stats from these as most are being censored on mainstream search engines.
Both MeWe and Gab have groups similar to Facebook so you can engage without having a filled-up political feed.
Social Media Etiquette For Every Social Network
My biggest tip for all the networks is not to post only your own stuff. Be sure that the 80/20 rule applies. Share 80% of others’ stuff and only 20% of your own stuff.
Posting too much promotional content will surely get people to stop following you or engaging with you. Engaging on the networks is the ultimate goal. Therefore, engage politely and you will reap the rewards over time.
Do not expect results overnight with any social media. It can take small businesses years to build up an engaged audience. (unless you spend a lot of money on social media ads!)
Next, tagging people just to get to them to look at your latest post without them being mentioned is in poor taste. They may unfollow you just for that reason alone!
Watch Your Language and Tone
Over the past several years since I first wrote this blog post, things have gotten shall we say “ill-mannered” on social media?
One of the best ways to avoid this type of thing happening is to stay focused on your purpose. You can do this by staying in groups or on Twitter lists.
In Conclusion: Do and Don’ts of Social Media Etiquette
Finally, be sure to respond quickly on social media. People do not want to wait long for responses today. Speed is everything today online and of course on mobile.
Remember, how the human brain is like that of a goldfish? You only have 8 seconds to get your message across to someone for them to remember it. Only 8 seconds!
Therefore, using a social listening app like Brand24 or Awario can help you to respond quickly.
What other tips can you share to be sure your social media etiquette is up to snuff today?
Did any of these tips about social media etiquette surprise you? Have you noticed manners have disappeared more than ever before on social media?
FAQ’s: Do and Don’ts Social Media
What should I avoid when posting on social media?
Focus on authentic content. Steer clear of offensive or controversial topics unless you can handle the backlash. Avoid oversharing personal details and posting when you’re angry or emotional.
How can I maintain a positive presence on social media?
Share uplifting and inspiring content. Engage positively with others by liking, commenting, and sharing their posts. Be genuine and helpful in your interactions.
Do and don’ts of social media – Is it okay to share someone else’s content?
Yes, sharing is great! Give credit to the original creator and add your thoughts to the conversation. Don’t claim someone else’s work as your own.
How often should I post to keep my followers engaged?
Consistency is key. Aim for regular updates without overwhelming your audience. Find a schedule that works for you and stick to it, whether that’s daily, weekly, or twice a day.
Should I respond to all comments on my posts?
Engaging with comments is crucial. Respond to as many as feasible, especially ones that ask questions or provide valuable feedback. It shows you value your audience’s input.
Can I share my opinions on sensitive topics?
You can, but proceed with caution. Consider the potential reactions and be respectful in your expression. If in doubt, it might be best to skip the post.
What’s the best way to handle negative comments?
Stay calm and professional. Use negative comments as opportunities to clarify or correct misunderstandings. Ignore trolls and don’t engage in heated exchanges.
Is it necessary to use hashtags?
Hashtags boost content visibility. Use them wisely by choosing relevant and popular ones. Don’t overdo it—stick to a handful to avoid clutter.
How do I balance personal and professional content?
Keep a clear distinction between your personal life and professional brand. Share personal stories that align with your brand values to humanize your presence.
Should I post the same content across all platforms?
Tailor content for each platform. While some overlap is fine, adjust your message and format to fit the audience of each platform for the best engagement.