Sharing our lives on social media has grown second nature in the digital era of today. Whether it's a long-awaited overseas trip or a weekend excursion, showing our exploits to friends and followers could appear like a great approach to keep everyone informed. Particularly with regard to the safety of your house while you're gone, Adam Collins from Ignite SEO—a London-based tech entrepreneur and social media guru—is raising questions about this accepted practice.
Why You Should Think Twice Before Sharing Holiday Images
Posting updates from your holiday is exciting, but this could be a welcome invitation to robbers. Our expert claims that criminals target empty homes using social media more and more. You could as well post a sign on your door stating "Not at home!" when you say you're skiing in the Alps or tanning in Spain.
Additionally, there is an additional, frequently disregarded effect of holiday posts: possible problems with your house insurance. Many people are unaware that certain insurance policies have provisions that, should you be discovered to have been careless with the protection of your house, could nullify coverage. It can be a violation of these rules to publicly broadcast your location or proof that you are hundreds of miles away.
The Best Advice for Safeguarding Your House While Posting on Social Media
Here are some doable actions you can do to enjoy posting your Christmas memories on social media without sacrificing your insurance coverage or home's security:
Reconsider Your Timing
Rather than in real-time, share your experiences *after* your journey. This allows you to still distribute all the fantastic pictures and stories without running the danger of real-time exposure.
Change Your Privacy Level
Make sure just a limited circle of friends and relatives can view your postings. Explore the privacy options on your social media platform to manage who views what you post.
Steer Clear of Detailed Specifics
Generally speaking, general posts about being on holidays are less dangerous than those with precise information on dates, places, or length of absence. Keep the finer points off-site.
Use Home Security
Invest in smart locks and alarms for good home security, then explain in a post—only if necessary—that your house is under protection. Sometimes, letting possible intruders know your house is safe will discourage them.
Tell A Trusted Neighbor
Make sure a friend or trusted neighbor is monitoring your house if you are gone yet still want to publish in real-time. Any hazards can be lessened with this extra degree of security.
Review Your Insurance Policies
Go over your house insurance policy to see if any clauses might be impacted by your social media use. If you are uncertain, think about a conversation with your insurance company to define the conditions.