Technology is evolving fast and everyone accepts that they need to “do social media”. But with so many guides and blogs talking about the best practices available, should we just jump in and “do” it? What are the risks of making huge social media mistakes that could destroy our businesses?
Here are 15 social media mistakes startups make with their promotions, and the ways to avoid each one:
1. No Plan
You have awesome ideas for marketing your product or service, but you never follow through. Before embarking on a social media marketing strategy, you need to have a strategy. Simple.
2. No focus
With a solid social media strategy, you wouldn’t need to be everywhere. When you start being everywhere, doing everything, you lose focus.
3. Lack of commitment
Social media promotions demand a strong dedication.
4. No target audience
The success of your social media campaigns is based on targeting the audience the right audience.
5. Inconsistency in branding
When regular visitors to your Instagram page get used to your logo, style of posts, and colour scheme in the photos, it’s becomes quite easy for them to recognize your brand’s voice on other social media platforms.
6. Not relating posts to your website
Your social media campaigns will reach their full potentials only when you relate them to your website website, product/service pages, blog, etc.
7. Pushing too hard
If you push your brand too hard in the faces of potential customers, your focus will be on the calls to action while ignoring the reason for the handle: actually providing value for the audience.
8. Inconsistent posting rhythm
For instance, the ideal posting rhythm for Facebook is 1-5 times per day. Whereas, you can post more frequently on Twitter.
9. Too much automisation
Sometimes, this can prevent you from having direct contact with your potential customers.
10. Not eye-catchy enough
Your graphics should be unique and relevant to the posts/theme of your campaign. Videos are also awesome! Try them.
11. Being too much of a copycat
There will be no uniqueness to what you do without a carefully-planned social media optimization toolkit.
12. Long, boring URLs in the status updates
Try getting rid of article links as soon as feature images pop up. Be sure to also take advantage of hashtags.
13. Neglecting comments
Make sure not to ignore meaningful comments on each post. Also, never take sides.
14. Failure to measure performance
You need to constantly analyze, understand and improve on your performance.
15. Ignoring updates as soon as you share them
It’s crucial to monitor engagements that your social media updates attract. That’s one major way for you to know what works and what doesn’t.
Did you find these tips helpful? Share your thoughts in the comment box!