When it comes to social media marketing, it's important to remember that this is a new breed of marketing. There are plenty of thoughts and analogies about how to best describe this marketing relationship. Here's how I think about my marketing strategy: I am a guest in my audience's house. And I will act as such.

In case you think I'm crazy, let me better explain this relationship.

I was invited into their news feed. Whether I requested the invite or they invited me first, I am there because they invited me. As such, they are free to kick me out at any given time. I do not pay "rent" to stay in their news feeds. I am there because they continue to allow me to stay.

It is a privilege to be in their space. It is not a right.

As their guest, I am expected to complete certain "chores". If I don't do my chores and duties as expected, they are free to kick me out without notice.

As their guest, I am expected to be polite and respectful. If I offend them or their friends and family, I will be sent packing. I may beg for forgiveness and provide apologies for the world to see. But it is up to them to invite me back in.

I am a guest. That is all. I am not a marketer nor a business.

Ok, so let's put this in practical application.

When someone likes your page or follows your business, they are inviting you into their space. They are allowing you to show up in their news feeds and show them your personality.

You have choices. You can be the polite, helpful, and supportive guest who goes above and beyond. The brand page that provides valuable and informative posts. The brand page that is optimistic and positive with their messages. The brand page that respects their audience. Or you can be the rude, abrasive guest who gets to be annoying. The brand page that constantly complains about things. The brand page that posts inappropriate photos or comments.

You can be the respectful guest who engages in conversation at the right times. The brand that posts at convenient intervals on a regular schedule. The brand page that staggers posts 2 to 3 times per day. Or you can be the annoying guest who chases around their host with endless chatter and then disappears into oblivion when they actually want to see you. The brand that shares 5 posts at 8:00 in the morning on Monday and then nothing again until Friday night.

We've all had that guest that we couldn't wait to get out of our house. And we've all had that guest that we wished would move in permanently because they were just so great.

Think about your online marketing strategy from this perspective. Do you want people annoyed or amused? Do you want to be begging to be let back in or do you want to be invited to stay permanently?

You are a guest in your audience's news feed. Treat them with care and respect. Provide them with value. Don't ever get too comfortable, you are at their mercy!