You may well know how important having a digital presence can be for a business, but what about internet etiquette and ethics?

How we behave online greatly reflects onto our business. How often have you heard horror stories about a brand’s customer service? Happens more than you think. Everyone working for you visibly represents your business online. This is important to remember, whether they are actual employees, subcontractors, or brand ambassadors. When I studied Reputation Management it was astounding how many businesses get it wrong; the big players too! So let's take a look at ways you can practice exceptional digital citizenship. 

Being a good digital citizen helps align your business with your values; it helps protect and maintain your integrity.

This is as crucial as having a brick-and-mortar retail store in a prominent position, front and centre on the main street with wonderful foot traffic passing by and cleancut employees who know what to say, how to say it, and have etiquette oozing from their every action.

So how can one be a good digital citizen? How do you, as a business, use technology appropriately and responsibly—be it on social media, e-mails, or more?

Step 1

Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor around the clock. Practice ethical behavior: As a good digital media citizen in business, it’s important to follow ethical principles and demonstrate integrity in all online interactions. This includes being honest, transparent, and respectful in your communication with customers, colleagues, and stakeholders. As best as possible keep a positive tone and attitude

Step 2

Protect your data like it’s your Netflix password! – Your personal data is precious, so make sure to protect it by using strong passwords, avoiding shady websites, and being mindful of who you share your information with.

Step 3

Don’t be a copyright crook, give credit where it’s due! – Make sure to properly credit any digital media content or copy that you use to avoid getting into legal trouble. Remember, imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but copyright infringement is a crime.

Step 4


Avoid poor spelling, punctuation, grammar, and choose words carefully. Google is watching! Your Domain Authority is crucial to a great online presence.

Google’s Language and Search Engine Optimization Algorithm is designed to analyse web pages for their relevance, authority, and user-friendliness. It uses natural language processing and machine learning techniques to understand the content on a web page, and ranks pages based on how well they meet the user’s search query.

This algorithm is constantly updated to improve search results and provide a better user experience. Google frequently updates and improves its algorithm, so there are many different versions and components of it. Some of the most well-known updates include Panda, Penguin, and Hummingbird.

Step 5

Keep in mind that while we are using a computer to converse, there are real people on the other end (ignoring the bots of course) Real people can get easily offended by the wrong words on the internet, especially if they are directed at them personally.

Companies can rephrase negative commentary into positive responses by acknowledging the issue, apologizing for any offence caused, and offering a resolution or explanation. This can help to turn a negative situation into a positive one and show that the company values their customers’ opinions.

Step 6

Contribute! Good digital citizenship is also about contributing to the online community. Businesses should actively engage with customers, respond to their queries, and offer solutions to their problems. They should also participate in online forums, share helpful information, and be an active participant in the digital community.

This not only promotes business but also helps to build a positive reputation as a company that cares about its customers. Fostering a positive digital community feels great too!

Click for More Social Media Tips For Business
Step 7

How can you positively impact someone’s experience online? Digital media for business isn’t just about selling, you have an opportunity to use your platform to make someone smile or laugh, or even better – inspire!

Step 8

Avoid spammy over-promotion. Create content that is useful to customers. According to a recent report, Australians receive an average of 51 spam emails per week, resulting in an estimated $2.6 billion loss in productivity per year. This highlights the importance of ethical marketing practices to avoid damaging a business’s image.

Step 9

Don’t use marketing as a means to throw shade on competitors. When you do this, you may also be turning off potential customers who are considering doing business with you.

Negative comments about competitors can create a negative association with your brand in the minds of potential customers. Let's face it; its just not a nice thing to do right?

Step 10

Foster inclusivity and accessibility: Businesses should strive to make their products and services accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.

This means ensuring that their websites and applications are accessible to screen readers and other assistive technologies. Additionally, businesses should make efforts to be inclusive and celebrate diversity in their digital marketing and communications.

Step 11

Respect user privacy: One of the most critical aspects of being a good digital citizen is respecting user privacy. Businesses must make sure that they are transparent about their data collection practices and only collect the data they need to provide their services.

They should also ensure that users have control over their data and are given options to opt-out of data collection.

Step 12

Be aware of cyber laws: Being a responsible digital media citizen also means being aware of cyber laws and regulations. Familiarise yourself with laws related to online harassment, cyberbullying, defamation, and other digital offences, and make sure to avoid engaging in any activities that may violate these laws.


Link to Cyber Laws Australia

Virtual impressions matter as much as in-person first impressions. 

Bad experiences can stay with a customer forever, losing you business. 

Staying up-to-date with best practices: Digital media is constantly evolving, 

and as a business, it’s important to stay up-to-date with best practices and 

new trends.

 


Interested in boosting your marketing or learning more about how to amplify your Digital Media efforts? Check out the Digital Solutions Program, based in Victoria, the program is for eligible small business operators and we are very humbled to be mentors for the program. You can check it out here:  digitalsolutions.melbourneinnovation.com.au

Click to Read More Articles

Return to our News page and find out more tips and ideas.

Read Now