Social Media; a treasure to many and a monster to a few. I think it is safe to say most everyone in our industry has engaged in social media via one form or another. Without much direction, everyone began posting, linking and tweeting away. Both excellent conversation and even large controversy have been the result of a platform with little-to-no rules.

Here are just a few do’s and don’ts on social media etiquette. I’m sure we each have our own unique experience so feel free to share your rules — I’d love to hear what you have to say.

• Do personalize your messages, especially when making connections on LinkedIn and Facebook.
• Don’t flood all outlets with the same content, be sure to provide new content or alter messaging to fit the specific audience. In other words, don’t link all platforms together, Twitter to LinkedIn, Facebook to Twitter, etc.
• Do mix personal with professional, but be smart about it. Have a personality but be ready to take responsibility for your actions.
• Don’t be a robot.
• Do respond to people trying to engage in conversation with you.
• Don’t try and connect with people on Facebook or LinkedIn you don’t know. Those are more personal platforms and you are better off beginning with the ‘follow’ button on Twitter.
• Do offer to help people when possible. But don’t always expect something in return.
• Don’t tell me everything; it adds noise instead of value.
• Do contribute something more. As contradictory as it sounds, Twitter is a great place to lead and not always follow.
• And finally, don’t ever auto DM or spam.

What social media etiquette rules do you live by?

Adrienne Bailey is an account executive in the public relations division Young & Laramore.