Top 10 Social Media Mistakes You Might Be Making

Many businesses choose to use social media to market their company, but most do not realize that social media could have the opposite effect: it could be harming the business. To make sure your business is using social media in a way that helps it flourish, avoid these top ten mistakes that could be hurting your social media presence.

1. 1. Not Using the Space

Social media allows businesses to create a bio for a reason. It is the storefront of the social media profile. Businesses that do not utilize the space they are given for a bio section miss out on a great opportunity to summarize the business and provide links back to the main website.

1. 1. Infrequent Posting

Much like a store that does not do frequent promotions, a social media site that does not make posts will not get as much attention as competitors. It’s necessary for businesses to post frequently on their social media site to ensure that potential customers remain aware of the company.

1. 1. Excessive Posting

On the flip side, many businesses post too many times per day or week, making their posts not as valuable for their target market.

1. 1. Not Remaining Neutral

A business that is radically for or against one side of a hot topic debate can make potential customers that take a different view feel that the business is not welcoming to them.

1. 1. Inhuman Interaction

Many businesses see social media simply as a place to advertise themselves. You’re your posts warm – robotic posts that are cold and only talk about the company will steer potential customers toward a competitor that connects with them better.

1. 1. Ignoring Customer Feedback

Most social media sites offer a place for customers to comment on the quality of the company and suggest improvements. Business owners that do not utilize this free feedback will not be able to give their customer base what it wants.

1. 1. Unresponsive to Customers

It is important for businesses to appoint someone to monitor social media sites and quickly respond to any comments or questions left by potential or current customers.

1. 1. Censoring

While no business wants to deal with negative comments on their social media site, it is important to leave comments visible to other customers instead of deleting them, unless they are spam or contain vulgar or offensive material. It is also important for businesses to publicly address the issue and come to a resolution.

1. 1. Choosing More Followers Over Better Followers

It may seem like a good idea to have more followers, but it’s necessary that businesses have quality followers that are involved in the community as opposed to fake accounts.

1. 1. Not Offering Exclusives

Followers of a business social media site will become engaged with the business when they see there is an exclusive sale, promotion, or offer just for social media fans.