Facebook can be a tricky place for many people. There are a lot of etiquette issues that need to be considered and learned before you jump in. It can be an addiction that you will love or hate. The hardest part is getting over the initial frustration of learning something new. For those of you who have no issue with the technology, consider taking a look at HOW you are using it. Here are several dos and don’ts when it comes to Facebook Etiquette.
GENERAL DOS AND DON’TS
Do use your real name.
Do use a recent photo of yourself.
Don’t use one from 10 years ago.
Do keep it updated.
Don’t untag yourself in a picture because you look funky. It is the fun of Facebook and laugh it off.
Do untag yourself if it is a totally inappropriate photo. You may want to contact the person who posted it and kindly ask them to remove it.
Do tag the photos you post with your friends.
Do consider what Facebook is every time you post something. It is SOCIAL.
Don’t friend people you don’t know just because you want more business. Fishing for people may get you socially banned.
Do spend time building your community.
Don’t poke people. It’s lame!
Do update your status often.
Don’t update about mundane activities or that you are on vacation (a thief’s dream!)
Do be careful what you post. Your boss might be watching.
Don’t get hung up on the small stuff such people unfriending you, or friends not pushing the like button, or friends not seeing your post.
UNDER YOUR INFO TAB
Do have a complete profile.
Don’t use your home address
Do join groups and pages and get involved.
Don’t put false information up.
Do include some fun things about yourself such as favorite TV shows or activities you are into.
Don’t or Do include your religion. This is up to you, but I recommend not posting that you are a fanatic about anything. Of course if you are a fanatic, you would want to post your views, and post it everywhere, but if your goal is to make connections to eventually build your business you are better off being sort of neutral. Neutral opinionated. Have a voice, but don’t force anything down anyone’s throat. Hope that makes sense.
UNDER YOUR HOME TAB
Do hit the LIKE button as often as you can.
Do comment on your newsfeed under the Home button.
Do check people’s birthdays and write a Happy Birthday note on their wall.
Don’t leave your website as a signature when you comment on things, that would be like chiming in at a cocktail party and after every conversation forcing your business card into the person’s pocket.
UNDER YOUR WALL TAB
Don’t only post marketing things. Again, think social.
Do send private messages rather than post too personal items on people’s walls.
Don’t feel like you have to be the last person to speak on your wall posts.
Do unfriend people whom you think are misusing Facebook.
Don’t unfriend someone you know just because they are bothering you with their updates.
Do HIDE them. Click to the right of their post and hit “Hide.” To un-hide them go to the bottom of your News Feed page and click on the link “Edit Options.” There you can Add them back in.
Don’t let them know you have hidden them. They will never know.
Do know your audience (friends) and post accordingly.
Do pick a personal area or areas you would like to share and keep it light.
Do update with photos as often as you can. People are drawn to photos.
RULES IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS OWNER
Don’t spend too much time playing the Facebook games. It will make you look like you have WAY too much time on your hands. Successful people are not time wasters.
Don’t send people Wall graffiti.
Don’t put “woe is me” status updates on your profile. It’s not good for business.
Do have fun with your time on Facebook and don’t get too crazy with it. It is addicting so BEWARE!!!
These “dos and don’ts” are just a place to start. You may not agree with everything I have said or you may wish to add to this topic so I would love your comments and feedback on this post. I am always interested in other’s opinions.
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Copyright © 2010 by Jen O’Sullivan http://www.jenosullivan.com
Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.
Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547
