Have you just started using social media for business? If so, it can seem quite daunting to a new brand or to a beginner who has little experience with social media. There is so much to learn and so many platforms to choose from, which can make the whole experience a little unnerving.
However, if you do make these mistakes then they can cause your brand serious damage while leading people to unfollow your brand on social media.
With that in mind, here are some of the top social media marketing mistakes made by new businesses and brands, and how to avoid making them:
1. Expecting a great deal within a short period of time
Many new businesses and brands make the mistake of expecting a great deal within a short period of time, such as follower after follower and an endless stream of likes, comments and shares. As with any inbound marketing strategy, social media traction takes time, energy and motivation. You need to be committed to social media marketing and expect positive results with time. However measurable results take time, so don’t expect social media marketing success to happen overnight.
2. Not making small but significant mistakes
In the beginning, the small tweaks to your social media profiles make all the difference. For instance, a perfectly pixelated Facebook cover photo, a Twitter avatar, a descriptive bio on all of your profiles and a link to your website all need to be included. Likewise, an effective, well-thought-out strategy in combination with a content marketing calendar can make everything about your strategy seamless and organised. With every social platform that you sign up to, do your research and complete them properly to generate noticeable results.
3. Comparing your Brand
It can be easy to compare your brand with the giants, but this can cause you to feel discouraged. Remember, huge companies such as Nike, Apple and Swatch have a whole team of social media pros behind them. Do your best, be passionate and devoted, and the chances are that over time you will generate success with your approach.
4. Forgetting to approach each platform differently
Another major mistake that many brands make is to assume that every platform is the same. Every platform serves a unique purpose and must be used according to the guidelines of that individual platform. For instance, each platform has its own unwritten rules regarding hashtags. While Twitter and Instagram recommend and encourage the use of hashtags, their impact is less powerful on Facebook. Likewise, using Pinterest without outstanding images will not get you very far at all.
5. Ignoring Help
Finally, if you are a small business owner with a small team of staff, there may be no one on hand who possesses social media knowledge and expertise. If this is the case, don’t be afraid to reach out for help from a professional or agency to improve your social media success and generate a stronger following.
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