Remember a time before computers when all your papers had to be typed or handwritten? Remember how important is was then to have excellent grammar and penmanship? Those rules seem to have been forgotten, or at least forgiven, since social media and the urgency to communicate quickly and often have come into effect. Not really though. Readers are impressed with well-written, well thought-out messages.
Grammar is important! A forgotten period here and there isn’t going to degrade your school, but having an article littered with punctuation mistakes and grammar errors will certainly send the wrong impression to those browsing. In the beginning, Twitter took a lot of criticism for its mandatory shorthand style of messaging. Hash tags and ampersand symbols confused the casual browser, and teachers dreaded papers that included them. Behold, the Twitter confusion has calmed down. Students have abandoned their silent protest to infuse Web slang into their scholarly writings. Slowly, Web standards are rising. Grammar is appreciated once again!
Looking beyond grammar, here are some other cringe-worthy bad habits you’ll want to be aware of before posting your next message.
Synching Facebook and Twitter Accounts
New login requirements have made the automation of posting between these two social media giants more burdensome than beneficial. Users will have to enter their password information when linking from one post to the next. This process is complicated on mobile devices, and more often than not, bulky. Also, the language of your posts will be transformed to fit the site they’re being forwarded to, which is often uncomfortable for your readers. It’s important that your social media messages are consistent, but don’t sync your accounts to save a few seconds.
Forgetting Your Name in Print
Adding your social media account information on printed pieces is a great way to keep your audience connected and reminded of your other outlets. But, it’s not enough to say, “Like us on Facebook.” Make sure you include your full Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other account information as well. Why? Simply put, because social media search features are junky.
Leaving Extra Characters in Video Tags
YouTube allows users to add tags to videos describing their content. It uses tags as part of its search algorithm, and you’re allowed to enter over 400 characters without hitting the limit. Use the YouTube keyword suggestion tool and AdWords Keyword Research Tool to find as many relevant keywords as possible.
Forgetting Hashtags
Hashtags help optimize Twitter’s search features as well as call out topics and organizations that your information was generated from—don’t skimp on them to save character counts. If you’re unsure what hashtags you should be using, check out hashonomy.com for ideas and trending conversations.
Not Cross Promoting Social Media Accounts
If your school uses several social media sites to communicate and connect to your audience, don’t forget to invite users from time to time to join your other networks. Each one has its unique strengths and weaknesses. It’s in your best interest to have your users connecting with you across your various portals.
Additional ISM articles of interest
Private School News Vol. 9 No. 5 Social Media: Weighing the Risks
ISM Monthly Update for Division Heads Vol. 10 No. 4 Good Social Media Policy Protects Your School
ISM Monthly Update for Admission Officers Vol. 10 No. 1 Communicating Through Social Media
Private School News Vol. 10 No, 4 Social Media Disasters: Costs, Dangers, and Quagmires
