Let me lay the ground work for what "best practices" is in general and why it is important. "Best practices" is a term used when describing the best method or way to do something; think of basic rules and guidelines for performance, which will specifically be attributed to social media in today's post.
"Best Practices" Scares People
Chris made an excellent point when he stated that in his experience, the term "best practices" is a frightening word, something used primarily in the corporate world which has the same connotation as a law. In people's mind if you say something done following "best practices" people will assume that it was written somewhere in blood and must be the absolute only way for something to get done.
As we all know social media is an ever expanding, ever changing tool that many of use daily; and even still a great many of us approach with our own methods. But overall there are generally accepted behaviors and some obvious faux paux's.
It was mentioned by Chris in a conversation with both Dave Evans and myself that "best practices" within the social media community is known as "best known methods" or BKM for short.
BKM Instruction
Deal within the realm of best known practices, it's still easy to see that there are wrong and right ways to interact within social media, even if the title is easier to swallow. Those of us who have weathered the industry from beginning to it's transformation to today, welcome constructive criticism from our network of friends, but those new to the foray are typically unwilling or offended when corrected.
Make no mistake, constant and consistent errors in your participation in the social conversation and destroy your credibility very quickly. Before long those in error will be talking to no one but themselves.
It's important to educate yourself in the best known methods for social media and participate positively and constructively in the conversation. Whether you are a company or an individual, there is something for everyone, and making errors is expected from time to time, but learn from them. The community in the various social networks that I am involved with are very helpful, and if you feel like a marketing decision is questionable, don't be afraid to turn to the networks and ask the right questions.
If you work for a company, how have you approached the best known methods for your social media marketing plan? As an individual, have you learned or been educated through your experiences on the do and don'ts within social media?
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Photo Credit Capture Queen
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