It’s easy to think of social media as existing in its own private bubble. There’s something about being behind a computer screen that can bring out the best and worst in people. Without the ability to make eye contact with the other half of our conversational equation, it’s easy to forget that social media is, indeed, a conversation. Which raises the question: is social etiquette the same offline as online for professional services firms?

In short, yes—and then some. General social etiquette should definitely be utilized when posting on social media outlets. However, in addition to following basic etiquette, the online world comes with its own set of recommended behaviors.

Practicing proper social media etiquette helps you better represent your brand to your followers. While monitoring your personal presence on social media is also important, firms should take extra care to make sure their accounts remain professional. In addition to using basic “real life” social etiquette, here are a few other things to consider:

5 Tips for Proper Social Media Etiquette 

  1. It’s not all about you. While social media offers a great platform for your company to share blog posts and other information, it shouldn’t be all one-sided.Instead, use your social media accounts to create a conversation. Ask questions and get involved. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t walk up to someone at a networking event or conference and spout off 10 facts about your firm without stopping to find out more about them. Take the time to know your audience, particularly on more professional networks like LinkedIn.
  2. If it’s not engaging, it’s not worth posting. As delicious as a photo of your dinner might look, it’s likely not the type of engaging content your readers are looking for. Instead, post with intention.Choose posts that will interest your professional services audience and get them excited about following you. Remember that their decision to follow your accounts is a choice—one they can just as easily choose not to do.
  1. Make sure there isn’t a better way to communicate the information. Social media can be largely impersonal. Some types of information are best saved for more personal means of communication. Before sharing sensitive content on your social media account, ask yourself: is this the best way to communicate this information? Would my followers prefer to learn this through another means?
  2. Think carefully about what others might find offensive. It’s nearly impossible to avoid offending someone, no matter how careful you are. The challenge comes in knowing when it matters and when it doesn’t. Ask yourself: will this post offend anyone? Does it matter to me if it does? If the answer to both questions is yes, it probably isn’t something you should be posting.
  3. Spellcheck and proofread. The social media content your firm puts out into the online world is a representation of your firm’s brand. One of the greatest benefits of social media participation is its immediacy, but slowing down to spellcheck and proofread can save you from embarrassment later on. You want your followers to see your firm as confident and intelligent, not careless.

The world of social media can be a tricky one to navigate. However, the most important advice we can give you for proper social media etiquette is this: think before you post. Sometimes, simply taking the time to consider how your posts will be received can often stop you from making a social media faux pas.

Learn more about using social media for business in Hinge’s Social Media Guide for Professional Services.