Emoji Etiquette: How to use them without sounding like a chatbot

Emojis once added a little personality to their posts. They are everywhere now, not always for the right reasons. Rather than enhancing your message, they may end up being distracted, or worse yet, sound like a replicated robot.
The rise of AI-generated content (thanks to Chatgpt and friends) has led to a specific emoji fatigue, especially on social media platforms like LinkedIn. You may have seen it. ✨“Real Leadership” shines. It’s not actually a light bulb idea for something new. 🎯Goal Parade. It feels less like a human expression, but more like a copying chaos.
Let’s clear something now. Emojis are not enemies. They still have a place in your posts, subtitles, and comments. But, like salt, glitter or office cake – easy. They are rarely used, otherwise things can get weird.
Why use emojis completely?
Because they can:
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Add tone (sarcastic, light, celebratory)
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Pay attention to specific parts of the post
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Replace words in a more visual way
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Convey personality, if used naturally
If your writing feels dry or robotic, then a placed emoji can break the ice and add to the human feel. However, if your message is already strong, you don’t need an emoji crutch to stand up.
The most overused criminals (and why you can rethink them)
Let’s talk about the usual suspects in emoji abuse, especially in posts that sound considerate:
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💫Mysterious Whirlpool
Usually paired with empty clichés. The “trust process” is not a strategy. Neither is vague inspiration. -
✨Sparkling
The flash bomb of content marketing. Unless you are posting information about fairy tale dust or dance recitals, you may skip it. -
🎉 Celebrate overload
Get promoted? Great. But you don’t need confetti whenever someone shows up on time. -
bullseye
“I’m smashing my target” emoji. It has been crushed to death. -
👉Finger-guided parade
If each bullet starts with 👉, then you start to look like you’re yelling with your hands. -
✅ Check box trap
Feel clean and friendly, but lost the advantage. Especially when every “How to Grow a Brand” post has the exact same format. -
🔥Fire emoji
If your content needs firepower to get excited, then maybe it’s not as hot as you think.
Then what should you do?
Use emojis to like to season. Add the flavor, not the whole spice rack.
This is:
1. Let your voice lead
If your post is helpful, original, or engaging, you don’t need extra decoration. Start with a strong writing. If it doesn’t have an emoji, it’s solid. Then consider adding a position to enhance the tone.
Instead of writing:
“Summer Camp Live 🎾🔥Register now to upgrade your game 💪✨”
Try the following:
“Our summer tennis camps are designed to help players improve their technology, build confidence and enjoy every moment on the court. Registration is open and attractions fill soon, especially for senior groups.”
This version tells the audience directly, explains value and builds a sense of urgency – no emoji is needed. If you want to add 🎾 at the end, that’s great. But the information itself is powerful.
2. Choose one (maybe two)
Your post is not a slot machine. If you are using more emojis than punctuation, it may be time to edit. Choose one that increases pitch or emotion and skip the rest.
Instead of writing:
“Our U14 team won a big win this weekend.
Try the following:
“Our U14 team brought home the victory this weekend 🎶 Can’t make their hard work and sporting spirit proud.”
The revised version still captures emotions, keeps them clean, and uses a single relevant emoji to enhance the information. Feeling Human – Not like the hype reel goes off the track.
3. Avoid using emojis as a substitute for meaning
Instead of publishing:
“It’s nobody is talking about 💡…Consistency is the key to tennis improvement.”
Try the following:
“Every junior player heard – ‘is consistent.” But on our court, what this actually looks like, means tracking non-compulsory mistakes, making habits around footsteps, and focusing on smart shooting.
The first version feels like fluff wrapped in a light bulb. The second provides substance and shows that you actually know what you are talking about. This is your focus. No emoji magic is needed.
4. Use emojis that suit your brand
If you are a tennis coach, then A🎶 makes sense. If you are legal counsel using Fairy Sparkles, that may confuse your audience.
Instead of publishing:
“Our new aerobics online class is back✨💃🔥 Join us for energy, fun and fitness🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎉”
Try the following:
“Aerobic tennis is back again🎌 fast pace, fun, and guaranteed to make your heart rate better.”
The second edition uses a clear brand emoji that aligns with the sport. It still focuses on information while still adding personality. The first version? This sounds like a nightclub promotion that doesn’t match the tone or purpose of the program.
5. Be honest with yourself
If you use emoji because it works in someone else’s posts, stop. Your brand should not feel like a copy of other people’s voices. Make sure your content sounds like you.
Some good emojis (second-hand)
Let’s not ban them. Some emojis are still worth the place in your kit:
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🧠Brain – Share practical insights or thinking process
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🎶 Tennis – For tennis updates or sports related content
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📣 Megaphone – For announcements or mobile phone calls
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📌pushpin – Highlight key points or takeaway
Just make sure they have a purpose. Not everything requires visual props.
Conclusion: Emoji is not a strategy
If your post is flat, the emoji will not resolve. Focus on:
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Write clearly in your real voice
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Share stories, courses or practical suggestions
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Ask meaningful questions
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Provide real value
Once in place, the little emojis here or there can help your content be more relevant. However, if your post starts with “Life Life Thress” and ends with “🎯 Let’s Grow Together”, you may need to go through again.
An emoji adds talent. Ten goalkeeper explosions that can make your content feel like a catcher.
Want to help find your brand voice?
If you are not sure if your content is real or robotic, that’s where we go. In resource marketing, we can help tennis businesses, health brands and solo entrepreneurs find their voice and use it with confidence.
Let us help you say more with or without emojis. Please contact us iva@resourcelymarketing.com And arrange a free 15-minute consultation.



