There are rules when it comes to “owning” a Facebook page. They may not be explicitly written, but in general most people who sign up for a page understand that the information they choose to post about themselves is broadcast to their friends list, or even beyond, and open for others to pass judgment.
The same goes for businesses on Facebook. What may strike one business owner as a witty or fetching post may in all actuality come off to consumers as annoying or even awkward.
Think before you post:
Facebook is a fantastic way to reach your target audience. But when you’re reaching for that audience, be cognizant of how your audience may view what you’re posting.
In the same way it annoys you when your grandmother posts a personal conversation on your Facebook wall, or that friend you barely know posts an uncomfortable photo sans shirt, consumers become frustrated with lazy marketing ploys, mundane polls and bad attempts at shock value.
Instead of trying to shock your audience into noticing your page, engage them with good content, thoughtful insight and well-designed imagery.
We ask ourselves a few questions before posting:
1.)  Is this post relevant? Is it newsworthy and timely?
2.)  Does this post represent what our company stands for?
3.)  Does this post represent how we want to be perceived?
4.)  Is this a good story or insightful information?
5.)  Could this post alienate any of our audience?
If you find yourself wondering if your company might be a guilty offender of annoying Facebook tactics, take a look at the Condescending Corporate Brand Page on Facebook. The “Corporate Bollocks Page” is dedicated to collecting examples of annoying business tactics that may leave a consumer wondering if the small amount of thought a brand put into their Facebook post, might also be a reflection of how they view consumers.
In many ways, using social media sites like Facebook is based on common sense. Sometimes it’s best to type out what you plan on communicating, take some time to read what you wrote, reflect on how the message may be perceived, make necessary changes and post your message with confidence.