Unique Beautiful Fun

      04 August 2017 by Sarah-Jane Smith

OnlineEtiquette

Have you ever had one of those experiences where someone has completely misunderstood something you've said?  It's happened to me a few times, most often online.

The problem with communicating online with text is that there is no nuance to what you say.  People can't read your expression or the tone of your voice like they can when they see you face to face.

I've been accused of being sarcastic (when I wasn't being) and championing a tightwad entrepreneur.  The thing is that not all of us are always great with the written word and we don't always convey our ideas very well.  It's important when you're writing copy for your business to proof read carefully and make sure that you're being clear and concise.  Double check that your message can't be misunderstood or interpreted in a different way. If you are using sarcasm or irony is that plain to your reader?

It can also be easy when you're online to shoot from the hip and blurt out opinions.  Don't be that person.  Just as you should not be typing in all capitals (signifying shouting) you also shouldn't say anything you wouldn't say to someone face to face.  It makes me really mad when people feel it's okay to leave expletive ridden opinions and comments.  I'm not trying to say you shouldn't be yourself but don't be obnoxious.  There's no excuse for it.

The same goes for images.  Don't go posting outrageous or offensive photos or articles if you would not show those photos to your mum.  The internet is a public space.  We all have an obligation to not pollute it.  You wouldn't throw rubbish inside your office, don't publish rubbish online.

What you post online may be there forever. Your jelly wrestling  photos may be hilarious for your pals but how's it look to your fellow board directors?

When using email to contact customers be mindful of their needs.  Are they really going to want to hear from you everyday?  Make sure you are clear when people sign up to a mailing list what they're getting into and make opting out easy for them.

Social media is also a great way to keep in touch with customers but don't flood them.  I've unsubscribed from people who post twenty posts at a time on Instagram.  Likewise, stagger your Facebook posts by using the schedule function.

Being courteous and letting others join the conversation online is just good sense.  It's called social media not selfish media after all.

Till next time,

Sarah-Jane X

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