The Seven Things Your Company Should Avoid Doing in Social Media Marketing

Whether you've been managing brand social media accounts for years or are just getting started, marketers occasionally seek fast ideas on how to promote their business on social media. Here are seven typical blunders that every marketer should avoid if they want to see their social media marketing efforts succeed:

1. Never engage in conversation!

Remember, social media is not a billboard. Companies are no exception to platforms meant to encourage social engagement. Connections are required for long-term relationships. Best of all, most community building events are free. You don't need a big marketing budget or to buy followers. But it takes time. If you dedicate time to serving and cultivating your online community, you will see growth. Spend ten minutes a day responding to blog questions and comments. Check your location tags and thank customers who have submitted photographs of your establishment.

2. Failure to plan ahead

It works. Now you only need to plan ahead of time to provide value to your audience. Then incorporate a call to action to promote purchases. Preparing content and scheduling photographs and videos ahead of time will save up a lot of time for other tasks. Marketers may create content for a month by batching photographs and writing text on various days of the month. As a result, their target viewers often receive minimal value. Planned marketing leads to a more engaged community and more revenue.

3. Not retouching photographs

Learn the basics of photography, even if you simply use your phone to create content for social media. Avoid shooting in direct sunlight, and utilize your phone's editing tools to enhance your photographs. A few little tweaks can improve a picture or video. The next time you're unhappy with your company's social media pictures, consider outsourcing. Have a photographer/videographer come in once a quarter to take photos that can be reused, or find someone else in your organization to do it.

4. Ignoring Direct Messages

Ignoring customer direct messages or comments shows disinterest in what they have to say. Every day, spend time engaging with your audience, answering inquiries, and monitoring direct messages. If you don't look, you could miss some great questions in the Instagram direct message area. It's vital as businesses reopen since hours may change and clients may be uncertain if a store is open.

5. Posting at random

Consistency is a key. Algorithms favor your weekly post count and the content you contribute. Keep it consistent with four to six content pillars or brand passions so your viewers know what they will expect. This is a great way to meet like-minded people.

6. There are no CTAs

Everything you share online should still include calls to action (CTAs). Tell your readers what you want them to do after reading your post at the opening or end of the piece. Make it succinct and to-the-point. For instance, you may urge them to remark on a topic, click a link, enter a competition, make a reservation, or provide feedback.

7. Content overthinking

Preparation and practice help avoid over thinking. Some of us lack confidence, but action brings clarity. With practice, things get easier and you stop second-guessing yourself. Discuss content ideas with your team. Simple advice: focus on things you know well, so you may be confident in the content. Write down frequently asked questions and develop material that addresses them. A great way to offer real value is to create content that your customers desire to learn more about.