Grow Your Shop Series: Social Media Etiquette

Hey there! We are kicking off a new blog series called Grow Your Shop, dedicated to all you hard working entrepreneurs out there. While many of you blog, many of you also run online shops (or maybe you would like to). I'm still learning every day when it comes to growing a successful online store but have learned a lot in the last 5 years by getting my hands dirty. From name changes to product launches to social media oops, mistakes happen. The key is to keep taking those mistakes and using them as bricks towards building your goals. Today is all about social media etiquette and how this effects the growth of our brand overall.

What is Social Media Etiquette?
Oh glad you asked! In order to define what it is, let's break down the phrases first:

Social Media = websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking. For example, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest...you get it. (I know this seems basic but bare with me!)

Etiquette = the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group.

Social Media Etiquette is the customary code of polite behavior within the context of social networking. Short version: how you should act online. Seems simple right?

The funny thing is, though it may seem trivial, I've come across many different people who are so focused on growing their shop and are not educated in the proper behavior to promote their shop through social media. I've also made some not so great moves when it came to social media etiquette. Here's a few things I've learned.

"FOLLOW ME!"
Time and time again this is what I used to leave as comments with a link to my shop. Not only is this improper etiquette but it really is ineffective. The reader can sense the newbie desperation jumping off the screen. It is not polite to ask for a favor when you haven't taken the time to get to know the person first. And even if you are a huge fan on Instagram and double tap all their photos, it's basically telling them what to do. Come on, we don't like to be told what to do!

Honestly when I see this, it takes every ounce of me not to call the person out on it. You want to gain followers? That's fine! Leave comments about how you really feel about a person's work, how they inspire you, love their style and flair. After you can simply leave a link under your name. That's it. A genuine comment about that other person or their work and then add your shop under your signature. It's professional and puts you in a different category.

LINK VOMIT
It seriously is as gross as it sounds. There have been times I loved a person's shop, visited their Twitter page and was doused with a bunch of links to their products. Nothing else. Social media is about social networking. To mingle, chat, exchange information with other talented folks. It's not just a platform for your self promotion. A good balance helps followers digest things easier. When we keep shoving links, links, links...it will soon get old and mundane. You have to show people you care about what they care about before they care about what you care about. Did you get that? Phew!

A great rule of thumb (mainly on Twitter and Facebook) is to share four other posts or links from other people then one of yours. It might sounds backwards like we are giving them more exposure but being nice always pays off. Make sure you share things you really like. Be genuine. Don't worry about them getting exposure. The reality is that the link to your shop is attached to your social media accounts. Whatever you share will be seen even if it is someone else's and most people will want to check out your profile for more inspiration.

GET ENGAGED
Let's say social media was a big company party. There's Lulu against the wall speaking to no one. Marty is too busy talking about himself that everyone is annoyed. Henry is just plain rude and knows everything about everything. Then there's Justine. She's friendly, shakes people's hands, introduces herself. She asks people about what they do, makes them feel special and keeps the conversation lighthearted. If these four different people were shops on social media, which one would you buy from?

We will automatically gravitate towards the person that is showing interest in who we are. It's selfish human nature. We really can't help it. If your shop were one of the people above, which one would it be? When we break the mindset that our shop is "ours" and concentrate on a target audience, this is when things will blossom. Ask your followers questions. Get feedback on new products. Talk about what they love and share your heart.

Social media etiquette goes so much deeper than just sending your link out to potential customers.  It's a chance to share your story, your knowledge, your journey. To connect with others who love what you love. Don't worry about gaining followers. If you can make the followers you have into friends, more will come. And anything grows when you have good friends.

5 Blogging Etiquette Tips for Newbies

>>**My new eBook "10 Blogging Etiquette Tips for Newbies" is available in the shop for just $2.99!**<<

"Every one of us is an artist, and as an artist, you really can stroll into any venue that you want, as long as you take your time to learn the etiquette of that venue."
Terrence Howard

{source} 

It's pretty crazy to think that this year will mark my 3rd year of blogging. It's also sad that I still consider myself a newbie. This "blogging thing" started when I was laid off from my job. Not as an artist, I'm talking about a "real job." {Okay, enough with the "quotation marks".} I had big dreams to take my own business to the next level and I wanted to share my story as I learned the ropes.

I wanted to encourage others in the same situation and inspire those who think they can't follow their dreams. I'm still not sure I'm accomplishing this but it's been a big learning experience for me. I've learned {am still learning} a lot about the blogging world, the do's and the don'ts. When I look back at some of my earlier posts or how I conducted myself within the community, my insides cringe. 

So if I can help out a fellow newbie with my list of "5 Blogging Etiquette Tips for Newbies" {oops, I did it again. "Sorry."} then why not. Hopefully you can learn a lot faster than I and catapult your blog further.  If you find this post helpful, please share. Etiquette is not just for royalty or someone in high stature. It's all about respect, politeness, integrity, honesty and trust. Etiquette is for everyone but just like anything, if you don't have it, you must learn it.

1.) Link photos or ideas to an actual source 

To some of us, our blog is just a chance to chat with others and share our day to day lives. We find photos that relate to our topic or we see inspiration somewhere else online that triggers an idea for a post. It is crucial to your blogging image to give credit where it's due. While you may be blogging for fun, others actually blog for income. They work hard to take high quality photos and provide good content. A simple link back to their blog is usually enough. If you save the image to your computer then upload it into your post, and don't link back, this is considered stealing. You may not actually say that the photos are yours but visitors and readers don't have any other reason to think otherwise. Your intentions may be innocent but that doesn't change facts. Most cases you can just right click on an image, copy it and then paste into your post. Sometimes the link shows up automatically but double check. If you don't do anything else on this list, do this one. It's by far the biggest blogging don't.

2.) Have clear contact info

This may seem like it's more of a marketing aspect but actually providing clear information so that visitors and readers can contact you is just plain nice. It shows them that you are approachable {in the best way possible online} and they are free to connect with you. Not providing a contact page or even an email address on your sidebar can come off as snotty and rude. I'm serious! What would you think if you came across a blog that didn't have any way for you to contact that person? It would seem kind of weird, and though you may not know it, something inside of you tells you this person is not trustworthy. When we are online, we want to feel secure. Some sense of protection. Whether we know it or not, seeing a blogger's contact info gives us that. It says "Hey, if there's a problem or a question, I am here for you."

3.) Leave a comment, not a sales pitch

So your surfing around the many blogs you follow or you just happen to land on one that's awesome. You dig the posts, design, the blogger's writing voice etc. As you start to comment to tell them this, you then think "how can I get them to my blog?" So you write "I love your blog! New follower, come check out mine sometime. I'd appreciate a follow back! www.desperate.blogspot.com"!"

Yeah, about that...

This is not only a blogging no-no, it's pretty much looked down upon everywhere else as well. No one likes to be told what to do, first of all. I mean, if someone left this on your blog, would you like it? It shows immaturity and the last part actually erases the first part of the comment. You know, the one about loving the blog. Yeah that. If you love someone's blog, tell them why! Whatever it is, whether you can relate to where they are, you love their header, or you share the same taste in frozen yogurt. Don't take advantage of the comment box and abuse it by turning it into a self-marketing mess. We've all done it, so I'm preaching to myself here. When experienced bloggers see this, it's a huge turn off and they most likely won't check you out.

If you want to leave your blog url link, that is definitely okay. It's all about presentation and class. Watch your wording and read your comment out loud before submitting. If it sounds like your trying to sell something, erase it and start over.

Copy and paste this code if you want to add your blog link to a comment. It is html so make sure the comment box takes code. Oh and change the necessary fields, or you will look quite silly:

<a href="YOUR BLOG URL">YOUR DISPLAY TEXT</a>

{Shout out to Dana from Wonderforest for inspiring this tip. You rock girl!}

4.) Reply to comments

Things get busy and life gets crazy but one thing remains...appreciation. When someone actually takes time to write to you and leave a comment on your blog, it's good etiquette to say thank you. Just like if someone sent you a birthday gift, it's proper to send a thank you note. This practice has been lost for a while and it's trickled into the blogging world. I understand we have pretty full plates and if you are a high profile blog with thousands of followers, replying to each comment can be mind numbing and never ending. In those cases, I would suggest leaving one comment thanking the masses for their love and support. The point it, say something! Not replying to a comment gives off the impression that you don't care. And I know you do. It only takes one minute, even if you just reply within the comment section. It doesn't have to be a big-to-do, just a simple "thanks so much" can make a big difference.

5.) Use your manners

This pretty much sums up what etiquette is about. There really should be no name calling, bashing or trash talk. This 'ain't Walmart or the mall. You can say pretty much whatever you want on your blog but be warned that once you say something, you can't take it back. You might be able to delete it but you can never delete how you made someone feel. I've seen some pretty nasty comments left on some blogs that I love and it grosses me out. Like really makes me sick. That saying "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all" proves true. Just be quiet and click off. When you are rude in a comment, it shows more about who you are then the person you're trying to make look bad. It showcases your lack of self-control and ability to handle grown up situations. I mean, really, treat the blogging community like a lady. If it's hard for you to play nice with others, maybe you should go inside and read a book. This playground is for fun and friends. We really don't need any bullies.

How you present yourself online is just as important as offline. The scary part is that a lot of people think they can be someone else because they can hide behind a screen. Do everyone a favor and be honest. Hold yourself to a higher standard.

This list wasn't created to make you feel bad or put you down. It was meant to educate but in order for you to learn anything, you must admit you have room to grow. If you go against growing, you really go against life. You will make mistakes but it's what you do afterward with the lesson that matters. Remember, etiquette everywhere is about respect, politeness, integrity, honesty and trust. If you have these things going for you as a blogger, you are on your way to greater things.

What have you learned so far about blogging?

Do you have a tip?