50 Things I Learned About Social Media, the Hard Way
Whether you’re an early adopter or you’ve just started dabbling in social media, there are certain things you need to know to avoid the pitfalls and faux pas.
I’ve been working with social networks and online communities for 25+ years. Here are 50 things I’ve learned about social media the hard way so you won’t have to.
- Social media isn’t one size fits all.
- Social media ROI exists, but there is no magic elixir.
- You don’t have to have it all figured out to get started.
- You don’t have to follow everyone back.
- Pick your name wisely; it’s your brand.
- Be consistent across social networks. (With your name, logos, and branding.)
- People WILL judge you by your profile picture.
- Just because they’re called “Friends” on Facebook doesn’t mean they’re really your friends.
- Be yourself. Be as open as you’re comfortable with, and always be honest.
- Be positive. Online and off, people would rather surround themselves with positive people.
- Everyone has a different comfort level regarding how much they share online. And whatever it is, it’s ok.
- Don’t share blindly; read the articles and check the links. What you share reflects on you.
- Don’t be a “yes” man. You don’t have to agree with everyone.
- Have your own opinions, but be respectful when sharing them.
- Make sure your brand avoids controversial topics like sex, religion, and politics—unless, of course, those topics are part of your brand.
- If what you’re saying can be misinterpreted, it will be.
- What you share on the Internet lives forever.
- And what you share can be used against you. Personally and professionally and as competitive intel.
- Social media is always evolving, and you need to be in a state of constant learning. (Even Twitter isn’t Twitter anymore.)
- Don’t create and abandon. Start with one social media presence and build on it.
- You don’t have to be on every single social network. Pick the ones that make sense for your brand and your customers.
- It’s not all about you. While it’s okay to share what you’ve got going on, it shouldn’t always be about you. *Follow the 80/20 rule.
- Social media should be a dialogue, not a monologue. It’s called social media for a reason.
- Share what interests you. Doing so will attract others with similar interests.
- Share valuable resources that your community will appreciate.
- Ask lots of questions. It’s a great way to learn, meet people, and build a community.
- Respond to everyone who comments on your content. Yes, everyone.
- Respond within 24-48 hours whenever possible.
- Allow for open dialogue and conversations, but set boundaries in advance.
- You don’t have to put up with haters, trolls, or people whose only goal is to be disruptive.
- Listen, even when you hear things you don’t want to hear. Make changes when necessary.
- Crowdsourcing can be awesome.
- Building a community and a following takes time.
- Slow and steady wins the race. Your only competition is yourself.
- Your community expects you to be present. If you’re going offline for an extended period, let them know beforehand.
- Connect online, but keep it going by taking it offline.
- Cement your relationships by keeping in touch as often as possible.
- Think beyond text – use multimedia: Photos, video, podcasts, etc.
- Know your audience. Mix it up and create culturally relevant content.
- Pick a great blogging platform before you start blogging. Moving your blog is a pain in the #@?!.
- Mobile is where it’s at, and your site better accommodate it.
- You don’t need to be an expert on SEO, ROI, CRM, etc., but know enough to hire good people who do.
- Have a crisis management plan in place before you have a crisis.
- Have a social media policy or social media guidelines for your employees.
- Choose a social media monitoring platform so you don’t miss a mention of your brand.
- Unfriending is much harder than friending.
- You are what you post.
- You don’t have to be perfect, but you should own your mistakes.
- What you get from your social networks depends on what you put into them.
- Social media isn’t free. You’re investing your time, and that’s a valuable commodity.
[This post was originally written in 2014 and updated in 2024]
*Consider this: 80% brand content, 10% industry content (or sharing other people’s relevant content), and 10% getting to know you – give your clients a glimpse into life behind the scenes, daily routines, etc.
Have you learned anything about social media the hard way? What’s your best social media hard-knock story? What additional advice would you share? What surprised you the most on this list of 50?
Sarah Day says
Awesome! I should have this list taped to my wall. Maybe I’ll do that.
Trish Forant says
Sarah D, I’d be honored! ::: blush ::: Thanks for commenting!
Susie (The Esthetic Goddess) says
Wow! This is an awesome list. I’m going to save it so I can reflect back on it as I need to. Thanks.
Trish Forant says
Thank you, Susie! If knew then what I know now, right?
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
GREAT list Trish! So true!
Trish Forant says
Glad you liked it , Michelle! It’s been great sharing with you and reading what you’re sharing, too.
Ann says
These are all great tips; I’m in a constant state of learning about social media, blogging and life in general. So glad to have stopped by and found you (through the SITS Sharefest). I’m adding you to my feedly too!
Trish Forant says
Thanks, Ann! Glad you enjoyed and I hope my site and my posts will not only be helpful, but enjoyable. I’m looking forward to swinging by your site, too.
Elizabeth says
This is a great list – a lot of things I had felt intuitively and it is great to see them listed clearly and directly, even the ones I am uncomfortable with!
Trish Forant says
Elizabeth, thank you! These are many of the things I wish I’d known when I started so I felt like others could relate, as well.
Catherine says
So happy I found you on Saturday sharefest – really enjoyed reading your list :)
Trish Forant says
I sure do appreciate you coming by and letting me know, Catherine!
Kimberly Amici says
These are great. I have a hard time being consistent in social media. Some days I have more time than other and don’t always get to it. I am probably trying to so too many things in addition to blogging and being online. Any suggestions for finding a rhythm?…Stopping over from SITS.
Trish Forant says
Hi Kimberly! My suggestion would be to focus on whatever is most important to you – maybe that’s your blog. Then as a bonus, try one of the social networks you enjoy- like Twitter. Download the app to your phone (if possible) so that when you’re killing time, you can use that time wisely to work your social media. Also, try a platform like Hootsuite, Dlvr.it or Buffer, so you can schedule your blog posts to be shared. Once they are, if people respond to you, you’ll be notified through the app on your phone and can respond.
Another tip might be to schedule some time in your day JUST for social networking and stick to it. Try it for a week and see what you think! Then let me know.
Amber says
This is a very informative list. Thank you!
Dee says
These are great tips, and I definitely agree with number 23! Thanks so much for sharing at SITS! :)
misssrobin says
Don’t fight with your husband on facebook. Don’t vent about anything that can be seen as picking a fight unless you want to do it publicly on facebook.
It was a bad day. I was stupid. Learned that one very quickly.
Great list. Happy Sharefest!
Adrian says
I think all of these are really good. #17 really caught my eye. I tell my kids that all the time. When you write on the Internet, you are writing in PEN – no take-backs. Even if you delete it later, you never know who might have seen it or might have had their feelings hurt by it. Be aware that there are some “mean girls” types in Social Media. It is rare, but I’ve seen some real nastiness out there and when bloggers decided to have a hate fest on a brand or an individual, it’s pretty horrifying. So, I think being kind is essential and being responsible for your words. If you feel you must criticize, be professional about it and state your view as respectfully and politely as you can. My policy is that someone’s blog is their kingdom and what they chose to do on it is the law of their land. If I don’t like it, I am free to change channels and move on to the next blog. #SITSSharefest
Trish Forant says
I love your outlook and love the idea that someone’s blog is their kingdom and what they choose to do on it is the law of their land. I think it is so important to remember that before we hit send/enter – there’s someone with feelings on the receiving end.
Jennifer-Mommy Life After Ph.D. says
What happens on the internet, stays on the internet. Forever. Great points!
Trish Forant says
Thanks, Jennifer and thanks for swinging by to add your thoughts!
FreckleFaceGirl says
Very insightful list. Something for everyone with different levels of social media experience to ponder about.
Trish Forant says
Thanks so much, FFG! So glad you stopped by!
Des Walsh says
What a great list of tips – and list of great tips – Trish. Thank you for thinking these through and sharing them.
“Social media is always evolving and you need to be in a state of constant learning. (Even MySpace isn’t MySpace anymore.)” – so true.