Words to Avoid on Business Social Media 

Yes, there are words to avoid on business social media. Before anyone gets their panties (don’t use panties – it’s sexist) in an uproar, this post is for social media marketers. It’s not about anyone’s personal social media accounts. On your private networks, say what you want; if I or others don’t like it, we’ll unfollow you. However, it’s different on an organization’s social networks; the purpose of business social media accounts is to attract an audience, not to chase them away by using language which may be offensive.

Words to Avoid on Business Social Media 

Curse Words

This is easy; don’t curse. Do not use slang for body parts or functions. And do not take the Lord’s name in vain, and that includes OMG. You might think I’m going too far with OMG, but unless you mean, oh my gosh, there are folks who are offended by it, so why take the chance?

Sexist Words

The helpful staff member on an airline isn’t a stewardess; they are a flight attendant. What do you call a female engineer? You call her an engineer. Has anyone ever said career man or working father? If they have, I’ve not heard it. If you’d like to learn more about what not to say and what to do about it, go here: Everyday misogyny 122 subtly sexist words.

Political Words

Regardless of your target audience, taking a political stance will cause you to lose some of your customer base. I don’t only mean that you should avoid supporting a political party or agenda but also political phrases. Avoid terms such as liberal, right, and alt-right. And unless you market political campaigns, stay away from lame duck, gerrymandering, redistricting, and other political terms.

Outdated Words

If you say Xerox when you mean copy, dungarees for blue jeans, and pocketbook for purse, you’re showing your age. And nobody “tapes” a show anymore.

Uncool Words

The most uncool words are those that at one time were cool, such as … cool. Don’t use bummer, totally, or downer; instead, explain your disappointment. Unless you’re Cartman cut out “Sweet!” and it actually would be awesome if you stopped using actually and awesome.

It’s Only a Word, Right?

(Yes, using right to solicit an agreement is becoming uncool). A word is much more than a word. Words elicit emotion, create tension, and send a message. Be sure your business accounts aren’t sending the wrong message due to one or two poorly chosen words.

Before your next business social media post, stop and think: are my words sexist, outdated, uncool, political, or disgusting? And if they are, you might be pushing prospects away from your brand rather than attracting them, and that’s a bummer, dude, right?

New Age Consulting

When I was younger, I used every sales trick in the book and even invented a few. I used these tactics to sell and taught others how to dupe a customer into buying the product I wanted to sell, which was only sometimes what the consumer needed. I’m not proud of my early years in sales. I was “that” Salesperson.

Eventually, I learned that helping customers rather than “selling” them built lasting relationships. It not only made good business sense, but it also felt good. It was the right thing to do. Are you ready to do the right thing? Do you want to learn how to be a compassionate sales consultant and increase sales while building your customer base? If so, read this book. How to Sell Without Becoming “that” Salesperson

If you like this post, you might also appreciate, 5 Things Top Consultants Do.