A lot of people have this strange idea of social media and how to use it for marketing. They assume that because it’s free, it’ll be easy.
What they forget is that there are a thousand other businesses who think just like them, and simply posting updates isn’t going to cut it if you want to separate yourself in that space.
Yes, social media marketing can be a great way to advertise on a dime, but it can be a huge waste of time as well. Let’s take a look at some mistakes you should avoid at all costs when marketing on social media.
Using it for the Wrong Purpose
The goal of your social media page shouldn’t be to shamelessly promote yourself or your product every chance you get.
You’ll quickly get screened out by visitors who already have to deal with ads all day. The main goal of your page should be to build brand awareness.
This means that you should concentrate on offering value first and foremost. If you want to sell something, offer a significant discount. Try to be a resource and share useful content and links.
Also, let people see your brand’s personality. Let them meet the team and see them in candid situations. Interact with people in your community and share it on your page. Get people engaged in contests and challenges.
Not Responding Correctly to Criticism
Speaking of building a brand, the way you respond to criticism of your brand online will reflect on it and will stick. You have to know when you should be taking the blame and how to reformulate your message in case of a crisis.
If there’s a problem, you have to address it head-on, take concrete steps to resolve the situation, and respond once it has been resolved.
The worst thing you can do is ignore negative criticism. You might think that it’s not a big deal, but people coming to your page will see it as neglectful. This might be enough for them to form a negative view of your brand instantly, and never end up doing business with you.
Being Too Corporate
Another thing you don’t want to do is be a brand with no face. People prefer to interact with people, and at a certain point, they will disconnect from your message if you don’t show personality.
Faceless corporations don’t belong on social media and get phased out. It’s not only about showing faces, however. Not being afraid to veer out of the norm when communicating can be a good thing, even if it seems risky.
Brands that are able to use a communication style that connects with their audience are able to build a personality. So, going with something a little bit more off the cuff could pay off.
These are some of the most common mistakes people make when using social media for marketing. Make sure that you avoid them and have a carefully thought-out strategy before you start.
