How to Be Less Annoying on Social Media
I already know what you’re thinking: Less annoying that what? Or Less annoying than whom? Before I can answer that question, we’d have to set a benchmark, right? And without knowing you personally, that would be impossible. So for the purposes of this post, let’s just say we all want to be less annoying.
Some Super Annoying Things
Here are some ways you can be really, really annoying on social media. Sending DMs or private messages or videos the instant someone follows you on Twitter or Facebook. Nobody likes that in-your-face kind of old-school sales anymore. Those are just a few examples of things not to do. The best and easiest thing to do is not to send a direct message when someone follows you. At all.
Being Divisive on Social Media
Being divisive on Facebook can be really annoying, although sometimes those controversial posts can get a lot of attention. Still, at what price? By now, we mostly know where our friends’ allegiances lie on the political spectrum. How about finding that place or those issues we can agree on, though? Even though that envenomed political cartoon might get a lot of comments, is it worth it? And are we really going to change our friends’ political views with a Facebook post? You might like this post: Ten Ways to Fail on the Biggest Social Media Platforms: Facebook.
Super-Salesy Posts
You’ve all seen those ads on Instagram that make you want to throw your smart phone down in horror. Buy this! Sign up here! An occasional call-to-action might work, but not every single post. Nobody likes to see that. For more things to avoid on Instagram, Jeff Bullas has an article: 8 Instagram Marketing Mistakes You Should Avoid.
Buying Followers
Another thing most of us don’t like to see is obviously fake followers. If you have 10 posts on Twitter, chances are you’re not going to have 10,000 followers. And those fake followers are not going to help you in the long run, either. Some people talk about social proof, but that’s not the way to get it.
What Annoys You?
There must be something! Leave me a comment and I promise to get back to you. Really.
I’ve been meaning to write here ever since you tweeted this article, LOL! The heat wave basically zapped me of all energy. Anyway, I love love love how you make your blog posts short. If/when I return to blogging, I’ll try my damndest to emulate that, Carol! ;)
What annoys me? I annoy me!!!
It was so hard over the past 8 months because my former publisher did nothing to promote my book. I mean NOTHING. That is a huge part of the reason I asked to be released from my contract. So (as you know) I’ve overdone it on Twitter with my book tweets, my podcast tweets, articles, etc.
I’m trying to cool it in terms of frequency of my tweeting about the book & podcasts, but it’s hard.
On the bright side, I NEVER post about politics on purpose! I get points for that, don’t I? :))))))))
Hi Dyane,
Oh, I know what you mean about the heat! I’ve had to move downstairs where it’s cooler in the afternoons.
If I make my blog posts a little shorter, I think it’s more likely that people will read them, Dyane! Unless there’s a story that needs to be told, that is.
I’m so sorry about your publisher. I’ve heard that happens sometimes. Ugh. I didn’t know you’d asked to be released from your contract. Being a writer is hard work!
Hah! Yes, you get points for not posting about politics!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Dyane!
See ya around the block!
Carol
You are fantastic about retweeting to help your fellow tweeps – and you’re wonderful in terms of always thanking others for their retweets.
I get SUPER annoyed when I retweet someone’s tweet and that person doesn’t thank me and/or retweet anything of mine, ever. I know nine times out of ten they are ignorant about Twitter, but still….
Aww, thank you, Dyane! Thanking people isn’t so much work, though, really!
And people do so appreciate being thanked, even if I can’t always retweet them.
There are still some people who simply broadcast and never engage. They’re missing out on all the good stuff, in my opinion!
Thanks again for stopping by!
Carol
I agree whole heartedly Duane. Carol is so good about keeping in touch with followers. I appreciate her so much.
Thank you so much, Patricia! You’re so good at retweeting, commenting, and thanking people, too! One day we’ll meet in person! At least, I’d like that very much.
Thanks again,
Carol