Social media dos and don'ts

By Happy Creative

25 Apr 2022

Using social media platforms for business is an essential way to reach customers, gain valuable insights, and grow your brand.

There are now more than 4.2 billion users across the globe. But if you’re not sure how to capitalise on this inexpensive, and effective way to reach almost half the world’s population we’re here to help with some tips on what’s ‘Thumbs up” and what’s “Sad emoji”

Dos

1. Do post regularly

By this we don’t mean every second of every day. 2-3 times per week will give you the time you need to respond accordingly. Social media is all about keeping it social so join the conversation. Thank your commenters and answer any questions as quickly as you can. Make sure you plan ahead on your conversational calendar so you know what days are particularly important. Are there any events you want to promote? Special awareness days. That kind of thing.

2. Do read what you write

It seems obvious but please, please, please check your spelling and grammar on your posts. There’s nothing worse than a misplaced ‘your’ or ‘you’re’ and they will stick out like a sore thumb to your customers. This is your business’ voice so be mindful of how you use it.

3. Do showcase your brand

Your brand is your business’ persona, it’s your personality and you’ve worked hard to build it so show it off. Make sure your colours, themes and tone of voice are all aligned so that your customers will feel ‘at home’ and know they can trust you.

4. Do show your personality

You don’t have to be serious on social to be professional. Don’t be afraid to have a little fun sometimes (within reason) with your posts. Talk about your staff and how much of an asset they are. Show your human side. Promote your culture and your workplace as a happy one.

5. Do use hashtags

Hashtags are your friend. It’s not rocket science and they won’t necessarily get you massive engagement but they will help. Use your initiative in what you use. Yes, see what’s trending but keep them relevant. Make sure you use as many as you can to get the most from them. There are even tools online to help you generate them if you’re having hashtag block.

Don’ts

1. Don't post for posting sake

If you don’t have anything to say, then don’t say anything. You don’t want to spam your customers and lose followers. This is where careful planning about what you want to talk about helps.

2. Don't think you have to cover every single social media channel

Some channels will work for your business, some won’t so don’t worry if you only post to one or two. Twitter for example is all about words and conversations whereas Instagram is more visual. Pick what you can manage and where you know your customers will be.

3. Keep your business and personal profile separate

Make sure you keep the ‘human’ posts relevant to your business. Your customers might not necessarily want to see lots of pictures of your dog… unless, of course you own a pet shop or dog grooming parlour and he’s your top model!

4. Don’t design it yourself (if you’re not a designer)

It really is worth investing in professional photography and or a graphic designer to provide your brand assets in formats suitable for social media. Think of your profile as your shop window. You want it to look it’s best and you wouldn’t dump any old stuff in there. Take pride in the way it looks… your customers will notice.

5. It’s all about networking

Your social media channels are a wonderful thing and they can do amazing things for your business but they do require a certain amount of nurturing. Just like in the ‘old days’ talking to your customers, suppliers and fellow business owners is still so important. Networking is one of the most important things you can do for your business. Supporting other business owners and growing your social network helps your social media channels get seen so never underestimate making friends.

Social media is a wonderful marketing tool but in order to get the best out of it, you need to know how to make it work for your business. Not every business uses the same tools in the same ways so understanding what you want it to do for you is the first step. Hopefully following these simple tips will help your business shine online.

Latest news

1

Bellway to build 183 high quality new homes Royal Bowland Park street scene NEW.jpg.jpg

Bellway to build 183 high quality new homes

29 Oct 2025

2

University of Lancashire recognised for entrepreneurship and supporting business growth - Representatives from the University's Business School, local SMEs and the IOEE

University of Lancashire recognised for entrepreneurship and supporting business growth

29 Oct 2025

3

£8bn Typhoon order is great news for Lancashire BAE Typhoon ECRS Mk2 Radar

£8bn Typhoon order is great news for Lancashire

28 Oct 2025

4

Award-winning Lancashire wedding venue and hotel is sold The Mill at Conder Green

Award-winning Lancashire wedding venue and hotel is sold

28 Oct 2025

5

PM+M announces another 19 promotions across the firm PM+M promotions

PM+M announces another 19 promotions across the firm

27 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
November / December 2025 Magazine Launch Event
Holiday Inn Hotel
Networking
28 Oct 2025 - 18 Nov 2025

November / December 2025 Magazine Launch Event

Holiday Inn, Blackpool

16:46 - 16:45

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
06 Nov 2025 - 06 Nov 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November

Porsche Centre South Lakes, Carnforth, LA6 1FW

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Roundtables
10 Nov 2025 - 10 Nov 2025

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster, LA1 1YN

14:00 - 16:00

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human
2.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
13 Nov 2025 - 13 Nov 2025

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

The AI Lab: E-commerce
Ai Lab ecommerce (1).png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Nov 2025 - 14 Nov 2025

The AI Lab: E-commerce

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin