Online Marketing Etiquette

Most of us probably remember our mother teaching us, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” For some reason, that seems to be forgotten when it comes to online conduct through forums, blogs, blog comments or other social networking sites. This is especially true as it seems people lose any and all connection to the fact that they are still communicating with people while online.

Using this type of social networking approach is crucial to your marketing platform and attraction market strategy, though. These blogs, forums and other sites are extremely useful tools for driving traffic and sales to your business. The trick is to make sure you are using them wisely and getting the positive attention you need, not drawing in negativity.

Some Tips for Joining in and Logging in

First, create a user name that relates to who you are and what you do. If you also want to have a personal profile for just friends, it is a good idea to do this and keep the two separate. This will help keep your brand (you) for your home-based business professional. So, where appropriate, make sure you introduce yourself and, whenever possible, also welcome new members.

It is said that 80% of online social networking is offering up pertinent information to your potential clients and that only 20% is selling or advertising yourself. Offering information can also be through answering public forum questions and leaving positive comments for others. While they should be authentic, you can always find an instance or two that is deserving of some positive feedback.

Follow Ups

Whether it is an email or a comment on your blog, make sure to follow up. If someone takes the time to write to you or leave a comment, you should find a moment to do the same. Sometimes even just a simple ‘thanks’ will suffice. It lets people know you have read their feedback and appreciate it. Even negative comments should be addressed. Make your comments short, polite and to the point, and try to avoid saying anything that will result in further comments on the matter. If that happens, best to leave it alone after that.

The Final Word

The bottom line is, talk to others online as you would in person. Also, treat others as you would like to be treated. When in doubt about a comment, better to not do it. Once it is out there, it is hard to take back, remove or have other people forget. Think about it this way, if you read the comment as an outsider and not the writer, how would you take it? Remember, if you want to Play Your Best Game you have to be careful about your online etiquette.