Ah, the power of Google: a world of information at your fingertips. If you read the news, you can’t have helped but notice the hullabaloo around the change to Facebook’s privacy policy. Who cares? You should. This week’s blog is about why you need to think about what you share on the web.
Social m’ dear
It’s friendlier than your aunt. But can it do more harm than good? As a good rule of thumb, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are great for engaging with customers as part of an integrated marketing approach. But when you’re busy chatting with your customers via the same channel you use to plan nights out and with friends, it can be easy to let the professional persona slip. Think about what you’re saying, how you’re saying it and crucially, who else can see it!
Is sharing caring?
Youtube says ‘Broadcast yourself: Share your videos with friends, family, and the world.’ Meanwhile, ‘Facebook helps you connect and share with the people in your life.’ With so many ways to reach out and interact with your customers, it can be tempting to post, post, post – post your reputation away. Before you hit the button on your next video of cat boxing adventure, or make a brash, politically explicit statement, think about it.
Too much information?
If your customers are interested in who you are and what you do, then you’re onto a good thing. But don’t destroy the credibility and trust you’ve built up by sharing too much. People are only ever two clicks away from finding what you’re up to – inside of work and outside of work.
Update your privacy options
There are some things you don’t want to share. Like what you got up to on the weekend. Or that trip away that no-one knows about. Google yourself, right now. See where you’re appearing what for – and don’t forget to search Google images. You mightn’t want that picture of you kissing your cousin there for the world to see.
Check back next week for a special Christmas blog, full of reindeers, mince pies and a dash of sherry…
Laura, Inspiration Inc