There is a huge audience out there on social media, but the power of the masses and instant communications can backfire on your brand if you commit a faux pas or blunder. Here are a few of the most common mistakes.
Posting insensitive content
An eagerness to get in on the conversation about trending topics can lead to insensitive jokes or content being included in social media posts. You don’t want to go viral for the wrong reasons, so always double-check posts before publication.
Forgetting to post regularly
Content marketing materials take time to create, but they shouldn’t stop you from posting regularly on social media. Software company Volusion recommends posting at least once a day on Facebook and several times daily on Twitter. LinkedIn is slower paced, so 20 posts a month can be the target here.
Limiting yourself to a single platform
With a collective user base of billions, you will be missing out if you only manage a single social media profile. More than two billion people are on Facebook, but you may find that your content will also resonate on business-focused LinkedIn, which has 660 million members. Don’t forget Pinterest either with its 322 million-strong audience.
Ignoring comments
Social media is a prime driver of engagement, so always try to get back to followers after they comment on your posts. When replying, be friendly and professional, make sure to answer or respond appropriately to what has been said, and attempt to offer some sort of help or guidance.
Reacting to negative comments
Negative comments and mentions are almost a certainty on social media, especially if your brand is growing. It is important not to react angrily or to dismiss these comments. Try to keep an open mind and perhaps show the strength of your customer support by solving their problems.
Not sharing other content
Your own content will make up a large portion of your posting output, but you can help your followers and increase professional connections within your niche by sharing other posts. Identifying with influencers and others businesses can boost your brand.
Finally, if you are struggling to keep on top of everything social media-based, it may be a good idea to outsource your social media management to an expert third party.
