Communicating with acronyms is like using a blow horn with a jet airplane flying overhead. ~Jeannette Marshall
Remember when we were kids and our parents spelled things between each other so that we couldn't tell what they were talking about? That was a great tactic before a commitment was made for us all to go for "i-c-e c-r-e-a-m". Then we clued in eventually to understanding what that spelling meant. Next thing, they'd use acronyms for cussing like SOL meaning I was "sh** outta luck".
Today, everyone tosses around acronyms like we should be able to look them up to find their meaning. Out of curiousity, I went to Wikipedia to see what I would get if I input SEO and it came back with nine (9) variations of what SEO could stand for.
Whenever you work at a large corporation, or otherwise, it is easy to fall into the trap of using acronyms. Is it because it communicates authority on the topic or is it laziness?
Never ever ASSume that the listener or audience knows what ABC or XYZ means. Communicate as though you are saying it for the first time. If you are a SEO specialist, then say something like you "help others increase awareness though their website by marketing". That way, you may just gain the attention of decision makers outside those in the SEO business. I have no research to substantiate this, however, I would predict that if you blast or Tweet about increasing SEO return the chances are you will attract other SEO specialists. Is that what you want? Or, do you want decision makers who have heard that "SEO" is something that they may need to know about and increase your click thorugh rate?
The more you talk in riddles, and that means acronyms, the more you are possibly alienating those that don't want to be embarrassed by having to ask what they mean. Yes, it will impress your peers but is that really who your message is targetted at? Try avoiding acronyms and convey the message for what it is. I worked at a major sales organization where the culture was so strong that when they were speaking in front of customers, they used all the acronyms they were comfortable using. Problem was, the audience was too polite or didn't care to ask what they meant. I believe that acronyms communicates arrogance at times. When you place them aside, it is amazing how receptive your message will be.
Communicating acronyms is like using a blow horn with a jet airplane flying overhead. Yes, you are saying something, but it is being drowned out by another noise. If you really want to stand out, for gosh sakes, just say what you mean in plain English.
***
A read a great Blog on social media http://tinyurl.com/3y6ynft The Seven Deadly Sins of Social Media -- this can apply to anyone or any organization that is considering marketing through social media (see, that makes more sense than just putting SEO).