How to Make Sure Your Audience Hates You on Social Media
Did you know more than 1 out of every 7 people in the world are using Facebook now? This is great because we all have tons to say, and social media allows everyone to have their own podium and audience. I’m going to stand at mine right now.
It’s human nature to desire to share your experience and we all understand. Here’s the kicker though – not everyone wants to know each thought, opinion, and update you have to offer. So, if you want to make sure people ignore you, follow these practices – or don’t and actually retain your followers, friends, and fans.
SELL CONSTANTLY:
What if life was infomercials all the time? Sounds great right!? Constantly having products and services pushing themselves at you? Sign us up!
No. Social media is a conversation. Nobody wants to have a conversation with a door-to-door salesman. Let the Jehovah’s Witnesses knock on your neighbor’s door, don’t add to the spam and clutter.
USE OBNOXIOUS PUNCTUATION:
Posting. Periods. After. Every. Word. Or going over the top with ALL CAPS!!!!! Or using obnoxious S P A C I N G. On social media your choice of language can emphasize a point – you don’t need extra help with punctuation. Stick to the basics.
DON’T THANK PEOPLE:
If someone answers a question, shares your content, or leaves a comment, and you don’t acknowledge them – you’re doing it wrong. Ignoring them is much like disregarding someone who holds a door for you. It’s bad karma and you look like an ass.
RE-POST THINGS FREQUENTLY:
Sure, sending the same link 10 times in a day may marginally increase the chance people see your post. But if people stop following you because of your annoying, messy digital clutter, then you don’t come out ahead. It’s called “hogging the feed” and you will look very desperate. If it is really important, try boosting or promoting it instead.
MAKE REALLY VAGUE POSTS:
This looks something like: “I can’t believe that happened today…” or anything that is clearly just begging for attention. It is known as “vaguebooking” as well. Don’t try to bait your followers. I can guarantee if you just tell the entire story, more people will engage with you (unless your story is awful).
JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON WITHOUT CHECKING WHERE IT IS GOING:
See a hashtag that looks like it might be relevant to you or your company? By all means, chime in to the conversation! But sometimes people just look at the list and think: “It’s trending! I should use it!” Well, make sure you actually know what the hashtag is about before you make a fool of yourself. It has happened to the best of brands.
SEND NEW FOLLOWERS AUTOMATED MESSAGES:
Robots may have purpose in the future in many ways, but sending DMs to new Twitter followers isn’t one of them. Sure, it is nice to look like you care – but it looks like you don’t give a flying fig about the person when he or she goes to respond to your message and you’ve already unfollowed them thanks to your lame bot.
ATTEMPT TO “HUMBLEBRAG”:
Go ahead, pat yourself on your internet persona’s back. Everyone can see through this move – you’re being transparent. Instead, try sharing an article you’re mentioned in and thanking the person/company. Or try to figure out some way of making it relevant to your audience. If you can’t, then don’t post it!
