Online etiquette is crucial for WordPress bloggers and developers, as it directly impacts their reputation and ability to acquire new clients. In this article, we will discuss how to properly represent yourself online, with a special emphasis on WordPress developers and users.
Engaging with Blog Comments
The blog comments section on your site is an excellent place to communicate with your readers and showcase your personality. It also demonstrates that you value feedback and are open to hearing what your audience has to say. Here are some important points to keep in mind when engaging in blog comments:
1. Be knowledgeable: When participating in the WordPress community, it is assumed that you have expertise in the subject matter. Represent yourself accurately and be prepared for people to call you out if you make a mistake.
2. Expect answers: Encourage discussion by ending your blog posts with a question. Be prepared for negative comments or criticism and handle them gracefully.
3. Accept criticism graciously: It is inevitable to receive criticism at some point. Accept it positively and avoid lashing out at those who criticize you. This behavior will not help you build relationships or grow your business.
4. Respond to everyone: Respond to comments left by sincere individuals, even if they are negative or point out errors. Be receptive to feedback and admit fault when appropriate, especially when it comes to technical subjects like WordPress development.
5. Watch out for spam: Non bot-generated spam is becoming a rising issue on blogs. Pay close attention to comments and only approve those that appear legitimate.
Engaging on Social Media
Being active on social media is crucial for WordPress developers and users as it helps drive traffic to their sites. Here are some guidelines for conducting yourself on social media:
1. Use a social media management tool: Select a good social media management tool to keep your accounts organized and easily track engagements. This will allow you to spend more time engaging with people and less time managing your social media presence.
2. Engage with experts: Reach out to WordPress gurus on social media to expand your reach. Participate in discussions and avoid being rude or overly promotional. Be genuine and human in your interactions.
3. Share other people’s content: Content curation is an important social media marketing technique. Share valuable content from other experts in your field to establish yourself as an expert and catch the attention of others interested in WordPress.
4. Avoid public meltdowns: Keep your social media accounts free of public meltdowns, especially if they involve previous clients. Unprofessional behavior can damage your reputation in the long run. If you don’t want your current clients to know about something, keep it off social media.
WordPress Community Etiquette
The WordPress.org Forums are a dedicated space for WordPress users and developers to seek support and offer assistance. Here are some tips for engaging in these forums:
1. Be authoritative: When answering questions, make sure your remarks stand out. Indicate your experience in a contextual way without gloating or lording your knowledge over others. Humility is appreciated and will result in your posts being taken more seriously.
2. Admit mistakes: If you make a mistake, apologize, try to correct it, and move on. Being honest about your errors shows integrity and helps build trust within the community.
3. Be thankful: If someone offers assistance when you’re stumped on something, be sure to thank them for their time and help. Being consistently thankful and considerate can help you build a solid industry reputation.
Remember that the WordPress community is passionate about the platform and takes it seriously. Emotions can run high, so it’s important to handle criticism and avoid getting into arguments. The community is largely welcoming and supportive, providing opportunities to help shape the future of WordPress.
In conclusion, following proper online etiquette is essential for WordPress bloggers and developers. Engaging with blog comments, social media, and the WordPress community requires knowledge, humility, and gratitude. By conducting yourself professionally and respectfully, you can build a strong reputation and foster positive relationships within the WordPress community.
