Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are important social media platforms for businesses and individuals to produce and share content. However, there are several social media dos and don’ts that can have a significant impact on the success of any content sharing. Following these recommendations when creating a social media marketing plan can help ensure that the time and attention you put into your strategy is well worth it. Negative news can spread like wildfire on social media at times, so it’s critical for businesses and brands to know how to manage a potentially catastrophic scenario with caution.
Social media statistics for recruiters and consumers showing engagement patterns
Social SEO is the practice of optimizing your social profiles and content to be discovered when people search within social platforms. This is crucial because platforms like Instagram and TikTok are increasingly used as primary search tools, especially by younger demographics. A strong social SEO strategy makes your brand discoverable at the exact moment someone is looking for your product, service, or information.
Platform-by-Platform SEO Optimization Guide
A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Use this table to tailor your strategy for maximum impact on each network:
| Platform | Primary SEO Focus | Key Optimization Tactics | Success Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube | Video Search Engine | Optimize titles/descriptions with keywords; use playlists; add closed captions for accessibility and indexing | Watch time, Click-through rate (CTR), Engagement |
| Keyword in Bio & Visual Search | Include keywords in name and bio; write custom alt text for all images; optimize Reels with text overlays | Saves, Shares, Profile visits | |
| TikTok | Discoverability & Trends | Use trending, niche hashtags; include keywords in on-screen text and voiceovers; engage with trending sounds | Video completion rate, Shares, Follows |
| X (Twitter) | Real-Time Indexing | Craft clear, keyword-rich posts; maintain a complete, professional profile; participate in trending topics | Retweets, Replies, Link clicks |
| Local & Community Search | Ensure business info (NAP) is complete and consistent; engage in relevant Groups; optimize Events | Comments, Shares, Page follows | |
| Professional & B2B Search | Use professional keywords in headline & summary; publish detailed articles; optimize Company Page | Post reactions, Comments, Connection requests |
Implementing Structured Data (Schema Markup)
This section introduces a powerful technical SEO element. Structured data is code you add to your webpage (in this case, likely your website’s blog post) to help search engines understand and richly display your content.
What It Is & Why It Matters
Schema markup acts as a clear translator for search engines, telling them exactly what your content is about—a guide, a list of tips, etc. Pages using structured data are eligible for rich results (enhanced listings with stars, images, or FAQs), which can increase click-through rates by 30-40%.
How to Add Schema Markup to Your Guide
The most recommended format is JSON-LD. Add this code block to the <head> section of your HTML page:
This section addresses modern SEO by focusing on semantically related terms. While the term “LSI keywords” is outdated, the principle of using conceptually related terms is crucial for helping search engines deeply understand your content’s topic and context.
Instead of just repeating “social media tips,” enrich your content with terms that are conceptually related:
- Google Autocomplete: Type your main keyword and note the bolded suggestions
- “People Also Ask” & “Related Searches”: Scroll to the bottom of Google’s search results
- Analyze Top Competitors: Use SEO tools to see what terms they frequently use
Semantic Terms to Weave Into Your Content
| Primary Term | Semantically Related Keywords | Content Application |
|---|---|---|
| Social Media Strategy | Content pillars, Audience targeting, Brand voice, Posting schedule | Create sections about developing a consistent brand voice across content pillars |
| Engagement | Community management, Response rate, User-generated content, Social listening | Discuss tools for social listening and measuring response rates |
| Visibility | Algorithm reach, Hashtag strategy, Profile optimization, Click-through rate | Explain how hashtag strategy affects algorithm reach and visibility |
| Analytics | Performance tracking, ROI measurement, Conversion tracking, Audience insights | Show how to use audience insights for better performance tracking |
There are various things that should be done while using social media for business when it comes to the dos and don’ts of social media. The following are some social media “do’s”:
Do: Set Privacy Settings
First and foremost, it is critical to comprehend the various privacy options available on social media platforms, as well as when and how to utilise them. You’ll probably want to make your posts and profile public for a business or professional account so that you can quickly market your brand and engage with others in your sector. It is recommended that you establish specific privacy settings for a personal account so that only friends, family, and individuals you approve may access your postings and information.
Do: Think Before You Post
Even if your social media profiles are set to private, keep in mind that everything on the Internet is permanent and can be posted publicly. Anyone with access to the Internet can save, print, or screenshot anything they find. While there are methods to request the removal of unpleasant content from specific posts, photographs, or articles, the damage has already been done once they hit the internet.
Do: Be Selective of Who You Follow & Who Follows You
Many people feel that following a large number of accounts and having a large number of followers will help them boost their social media presence and stand out online. However, these figures are meaningless unless you engage with the right audience and community. Following or being followed by bogus spam accounts might harm your online reputation.
Do: Double Check Spelling Errors
While this may appear to be a small issue, especially when sending a casual tweet or message, it is still vital to check spelling and grammar to ensure that the message you are attempting to convey is received accurately. Employers, colleagues, and other online users will perceive your posts as careless and sluggish if they contain frequent language and spelling errors.
Visual examples of successful social media campaigns with high engagement rates
Additional Key “Do’s”
Though it may be tempting to test every new social media network, stay focused on what works. Because every business and individual is unique, preferences for social media accounts may differ. Pay attention to where your most engaged consumers and followers are.
“Consistency in social media posting is vital because customers would expect posts from the business they connect with on a regular basis,” explains Susu Wong, owner of Tomo360. If you’re a restaurant owner, for example, and you routinely run a Wednesday Special menu on Instagram and Facebook, your fans will be looking for it, which is a great way to increase interaction.
When posting on social media, photos and videos should be used to augment the content. Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok are all visual-heavy platforms that may help you engage your audience and share your narrative.
There are things you should do and pitfalls you should avoid when utilising social media. Here are some things not to do when publishing on social media, according to the social media do’s and don’ts:
So, someone encouraged you to use as many hashtags as possible so that they are seen by as many people as possible, right? WRONG. It’s not a good idea! This method may have worked a few years ago when social media platforms were just starting to gain traction, but it is no longer effective. Overuse of hashtags can make a post feel immature and unauthentic. You’ll only attract more bots and fewer people who are truly interested in what you’re saying.
As previously said, debating online has a negative impact on your brand. While many individuals appreciate and are entertained by these debates, they are following them for the wrong reasons. These social media activities will not entertain or impress a potential employer. Consider alternate ways to communicate yourself in a professional and well-thought-out manner before diving into an online debate.
Oversharing content is not a good idea.
While publishing on social media can be beneficial, there is a point at which an account’s material becomes too much. Oversharing on social media can push people away. Oversharing might not only drive users away, but it can also have harmful psychological consequences for social media users. Instead, choose the most appropriate posting frequency for each platform.
Don’t: Over-promote products and services.
“People will walk away if a firm is continuously selling on social media,” says Susu Wong, owner of Tomo360. Mixing things up with useful and intriguing information is a smart idea. Use the 80/20 rule: “Spend 80% of your time and effort on useful and entertaining content, and 20% on promotions.”
Core fundamentals for developing an effective social media strategy framework
Additional Critical “Don’ts”
You don’t want to disregard your audience when utilising social media – after all, this is social media! Make sure to respond to any questions, comments, or messages that users send you on social media. You should respond to what was posted as soon as possible.
Emojis are frequently used in social media posts as a means to communicate emotion and interact with their followers. Before you share something with emojis, double-check that the emoji genuinely means what you believe it does. Many emojis, especially for younger audiences, can have many meanings. It’s a good idea to look out the meanings of emojis before using them.
Having no internet presence can be far more damaging than making one of the blunders listed above. The majority of individuals use the Internet to locate information, resources, and people they require for a service, product, or career opportunity, among other things. They will simply move on to someone else if your information is not readily available.
Making grammatical and typographical blunders detracts from your trustworthiness. To prevent making such errors, write your social media posts in a document or spreadsheet and review them before posting them to social media sites.
Your SEO Checklist for This Guide
Finally, use this comprehensive checklist to ensure the guide itself (and your overall strategy) is fully optimized for maximum visibility and impact.
Complete SEO Implementation Checklist
Mastering social media requires balancing strategic planning with authentic engagement. By implementing these dos and avoiding common pitfalls, individuals and businesses can build meaningful connections, enhance brand reputation, and achieve tangible results.
Remember that social media success evolves—what works today may need adjustment tomorrow. Stay informed about platform updates, audience preferences, and industry trends while maintaining the core principles of authenticity, consistency, and value delivery.
For those seeking deeper expertise, consider specialized training in social media marketing to stay ahead in this dynamic digital landscape.
