Joining forums or responding to comments on a blog are both great for getting yourself known as an expert and even for gaining backlinks to your website. But what do your posts really say about you?
Forums and blogs tend to invite quick comments and there is a danger that typing out a hurried response can create the wrong impression. Tone of voice can very easily be misinterpreted online and errors caused by rushing can create a poor impression.
It is particularly important to remember how many people may read your online communications and how long your comments might remain available.
- Don’t use all capital letters. Capitals LOOK ANGRY and suggest that you are shouting!
- You are not texting so don’t abbreviate words… you could end up coming across like a teenager.
- Always check what you’ve written before you publish. Look at spelling, punctuation and grammar. You are trying to create a good impression, so why wouldn’t you double check?
- One great rule is never write anything that you would not be happy to send on a postcard. In other words, anyone might see your post, so think what impression your comment might give. Would you be happy for your gran to read it?
- Think before you criticise others. It could end up as a slanging match if the recipient of your criticism retaliates.
- If someone else’s comment makes you angry, wait before you reply. Never post whilst you are feeling emotional. This applies to email communication too. Compose a response, sleep on it and when you’ve calmed down decide whether your comment needs moderating.
- Make sure of your facts before you offer guidance on forums. Your comments can impact on the impression that other have of your business. The most useful posts will ensure that you are judged as an expert in your field.
- If you disagree with another comment, think very carefully before expressing your disagreement. Always be polite.
- If you must use smiley faces, use them sparingly… once again it’s a favourite of the teenager!
- Be careful with jokes you make. Your idea of humour may be someone else’s idea of an insult. As with tone of voice, humour is not always easy to convey online. You know you are joking, but will the reader find it obvious?
