June is the month for graduations. While that may be a proud moment for students and parents alike, the real fun is in the graduation party. Remember how you received many gifts from friends and relatives? To show your gratitude you may have hugged, kissed, or thanked them for their generosity.
The next day your mom handed you a list of names and a stack of thank-you cards to write. You probably asked her why you had to write these when you thanked everyone numerous times at the party. Like most moms, she probably responded with, “It’s just good etiquette!”
Because building relationships with fans, followers, and clients is important to social media marketing, understanding how to be polite in social channels is vital. @AmyPorterfield has expressed that when posting content, it should be 80% other people’s content and 20% of your own. Thus, when people in your social community share your work, you want to show your gratitude. Thank goodness for the internet-marketing age. Let’s look at a few simple ways to give thanks and acknowledgement in social media.
Like Button
The “Like” button is one of my favorite plug-ins. Pressing the “Like” button is the easiest way to say thanks. It’s a one stop click-and-go function that shows your appreciation for what someone shared. Including a “Like” button on your blog and website encourages others to give the “thumbs up” to the information you shared.
Comments
If you enjoy a particular blog, leave a comment to the author thanking them for sharing. Take an extra moment and add a positive thought on how you plan to apply their advice or ask a question. This is not only practicing good social etiquette, but also helps to build community in your niche. Engaging in the comment conversations on blogs are also an opportunity to show your thought leadership and extend your reach in the social channels. It helps validate you and your brand.
Subscriptions
If you have a list of certain blogs that you read on a regular basis because of their quality content, show your appreciation to the author and creator by subscribing. Depending on the blog, subscribers may receive special benefits that one-time readers do not have access to.
Sharing
The best way to use Amy Porterfield’s advice to posting other people’s content is by sharing it. You’ve left a comment, you’ve subscribed to their blog, now give your community the chance to benefit from their words of wisdom by sharing. Use the share button on Facebook, post the article via Twitter and give credit to the author through an @mention, upload the article on StumbleUpon, and Digg it! These are all ways to share, your fans and followers will appreciate that you post meaningful content, and the author benefits from the exposure.
@Mentions on Twitter
When you post content on Twitter, give credit to the author as often as possible by @tagging them in the headline. It is polite to show where you got the article from, and you’re building credit for yourself by referring quality content to your community.
Another way to give credit where it is due is by re-tweeting (RT) things that people post. If you find something valuable that another tweeter shared, RT it! Be sure to thank others for retweeting your content as well.
Direct Messages
I send direct messages on Twitter as a way to thank followers. Adding the personal touch of “Thanks for the follow,” and making note of some detail from the follower’s sharing behavior or personal information humanizes your brand. Taking the time to make this personal connection opens the door to communication, networking and demonstrates your respect.
Follow Friday (#FF)
The Follow Friday hashtag is one of my favorite ways to acknowledge tweeters. On Fridays, I send out a message with #FF and @mention a short list of people whom I have truly appreciated or connected with that week. It is a fantastic way to say, “Thanks for what you do,” and it fosters relationship with others. @AskAaronLee offers fantastic thoughts on How To Do a Proper Follow Friday.
The Obtrusive User 
There may be times when a user will post a comment on your blo g, Facebook wall, or through Twitter that is inappropriate, irrelevant, or meant to be offensive. Establishing a plan or company policy for how to handle this situation will protect the image and integrity of your brand. I recommend that these issues be confronted outside of where the original comment was posted.
Social media etiquette is a lot more fun than handwritten thank-yous. Knowing how to respond and what to say can be tricky, but the benefit is building relationships and creating community. Now it’s your turn. How have you been minding your social media p’s and q’s?
