Social media is used vastly today by a great number of people in the world. Social media is essential as it has become one of the primary means of day-to-day communication in the world today. And just as every other thing has its etiquette, social media also have its own. Social media etiquettes are the guidelines you follow either as a company or individual in order to protect your reputation online. And just like interacting face to face have its own protocols, so also is interacting online. Today, there are different social media platforms and each platform has its own guidelines, however, there are a few basic etiquette tips to know that work for each platform. Here are some:

1. Originality and authenticity: Living a fake life on social media doesn't pay. It's very essential to be real online. Being yourself is the best thing to do because in the long run if you are not authentic, your status is most likely to be discovered. Authenticity will definitely go a long way for you or your company. Be original!

2. Interact with people nicely: Social media is a world on its own, you need to know how to manage to deal with people online. You will meet people with different cultures, beliefs and schools of thought online, so you need to make sure your first approach is pleasant and nice no matter what.

3. Share valuable content: This is an important social media etiquette individuals, especially business owners and companies, should follow. If you run a business or own a company, you should be cautious of what your brand put out online. It's necessary to always share engaging, educating, true and interesting posts as it would help give your company a respectable look. Know that your reputation or business/company reputation comes first! Be careful what you post!

4. Avoid oversharing or over-spamming: Overspamming people with messages can get on their nerves. So also uploading so many pictures or videos be it personal or business pictures frequently can make your followers or viewers get tired and unfollow you due to oversharing. Learn to always have a gap between your posts. Share reasonably!

5. Avoid unnecessary negativity: Don't engage in any violence online, it can deter your reputation. Avoid unnecessary negative vibes or messages, and don't be tempted to rant online about anything unnecessary be it personal or business-wise. Don't engage in cyberbullying or replying or commenting on a violent post that doesn't concern you. Always note that you don't know who's watching, your page is visible to more people than your family and friends. It's a good social media etiquette not to appear sharing/ spreading negativity.

Finally, social media etiquette when properly followed will help you or your company to be respectable and trustworthy, it can also open doors to greater opportunities that will elevate you and your brand/ company. So, when using social media, be careful of what you put out because it can either mar or make you.

Dear readers, thank you for reading. Do you have any other social media etiquette tips to share? If yes, pls let me know in the comment section.