#1 Rule of Social Media for Pro Athletes & Celebrities
Before I press the send button I think, ‘If this sentence appears on the front page of USA Today, how will it look?’
- Jalen Rose
Rule #1. Whether it’s a public-facing tweet or Facebook status update or a direct message to a fan, always think about what you’re saying before you say it. Treat social media as you would an interview with Ryan Seacrest or a national press conference.
Some other rules to follow:
Interact with your fans. They’re not posting on your Facebook page & tweeting at you just to see their own posts sit there unanswered. You could make a fan’s day, week, and month, with a simple, one word, response (although an extra word or two won’t hurt).
Keep your cool. This goes back to rule #1. Social media is not the place for you to vent nor is it the place for you to lose your cool with fans that are just trying to get under your skin.
A behind-the-scenes look. Social media is the place to give your fans a look into your life, a look they otherwise would not see. This means photos, videos (recorded & live), and anything else you’re willing to offer up. Obviously, you have to maintain a sense of privacy - and that’s all up to you - but push as far as you’re willing to go. Your fans will appreciate it.
Bring it to the real world. The only thing better for a fan than getting to interact with one of his or her favorite celebrities is getting to meet, shake hands, & get a real-world experience. Give your fans - the ones that openly and publicly fan, follow, and support (aka keep your career going) you - that opportunity once in a while. Without your fans, you’d be nowhere.
Social media is an unbelievable tool for athletes and celebrities (and their fans), when used effectively and intelligently. So, get out there! But remember, careful on that trigger finger.
Note: These rules apply for anyone who uses social media as a personal brand. No matter how big or how small your following, every word/action counts.
