You’re Doing it Wrong: 5 Social Media Marketing Mistakes

Social media has become a must for all small businesses today. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook can draw customers in without having to pay for ads. If your business can master social media, you’ll see immediate results, especially with younger customers. However, maintaining profiles and posting on social media can be tricky at times, and businesses often make crucial mistakes that they are completely unaware of. But, don’t worry--we’ve identified the five biggest social media mistakes that small businesses make so that you can transform your strategy, immediately--and reap the benefits!

Social Media Marketing Mistake #1: Not Posting Enough

Many businesses take the time to create profiles on various social media platforms, but then neglect to maintain them. If customers stumble across your profile and see that your last post was months ago, they will quickly lose interest and leave the page. So, when you create a profile, be sure to commit to posting regularly so that your customers will stay engaged and informed about the happenings of your business. Pro-tip: use a scheduling tool for your posts.

Social Media Marketing Mistake #2: Posting Too Much

Although your business should post regularly, it should avoid posting constantly. Customers may want to stay engaged with your content, but they don’t want to be bothered by it. If you are posting more than 5 updates per day, customers may become annoyed and unfollow your business. Try to find that happy-social-media-medium: post enough to stay on top of your customers’ minds, but don’t overdo it.

Social Media Marketing Mistake #3: Failing to interact with customers

When customers post or comment on your business’ social media page, be sure to respond--and in a timely manner. People want to feel as if their opinion matters, so when you decide to respond to what they have to say, they are more likely to become loyal to your business. Not to mention, responding to comments gives your profile a more human feel, which everyone will love.

Social Media Marketing Mistake #4: Lacking solid engagement

When posting on social media, try to avoid using content that only focuses on your business. Sure, you want to throw a few of those posts in the mix, but you don’t want your customers thinking that your business is self-centered. Choose posts that you think are both helpful and engaging to customers. This way, customers feel as if your business is truly trying to help them--not just sell to them. It’s called the 80/20 rule, learn more here.

Social Media Marketing Mistake #5: Taking on too many platforms at once

Just because so many social media platforms exist doesn’t mean you have to use all of them. To start out, try choosing one or two platforms to focus on--and really nail them by finding fun and engaging content to share with customers. Once you feel as if you’ve got the handle on these two, try adding another and see how you progress from there. Bottom line: it’s always better to have a few active platforms than too many inactive ones.

Has your small business suffered from any of these common social media marketing mistakes? Let us know what you did--and how you resolved it--in the comments below! 

About the Author

Zoe Carey is a writer for the Booker Blog and has spent the better part of her career working with people in the small business industry. Her true passion for marketing stems from her curiosity about the way in which people think and act.