There are a ton of things you are probably right, and there are some things you are doing wrong. That’s ok. We’re all guilty of committing social media crimes. I’m not trying to attack you, I’m just trying to help.
So what are the most common mistakes that I see pop up on my social media feeds? Here are my top 5.
5 Social Media Mistakes You Might Be Making
1. Misusing Hashtags
This is a big one. When it comes to hashtags keep them short and make them all letters. Special characters like & don’t work. It will cut off your hashtag so what was meant to be something like #Hashtag&Fun will only be #Hashtag. Got it? However you can hashtag emoticons on Instagram. Confusing, yes, I know. But you’ll get it.
While we’re on the topic, let’s also discuss really super long hashtags. Don’t do it. It’s silly from a business standpoint. Make sure your hashtags are relevant. Also, let’s not go overboard on the hashtagging. 3 is the max you want to use on Twitter. 1 on Facebook but really only use it for branding and on Instagram, go stir crazy. Use as many hashtags as you’d like because Instagram’s search relies on hashtags.
Are you noticing the Instagram hashtag trend here?
2. Posting Too Little
Social media ghost syndrome is a real thing. And it’s not a good thing. Making the choice to be a social business is necessary, but that doesn’t mean posting once and leaving for a few months, then coming back when you feel like it. That strategy (or lack of strategy) will hurt you. You need to post and post often. The key is to be seen. If you don’t post, you won’t get seen. You won’t pop up on the news feeds and you won’t be memorable.
So how much should you post? It varies by industry. Each network should have it’s own posting strategy, but at least daily if you want to stay relevant and top of mind. Plus you’ll reach more people. With any social media network and content strategy, you need to do what works for you and your audience. Test, test, test and find the right formula that
3. Advertising To The Wrong People
The more niche you can be, the better off you will be when it comes to social advertising. You see, the thing that’s great about social media is that we all share a lot, like a lot of people and page, follow companies, and say things PUBLICLY. By doing so we are letting advertisers know who we are, what we like and what behaviors we have. Say what you will from a personal standpoint, but from a business standpoint, this is pure gold. We can be so super targeted when it comes to advertising to reach the right people. The problem is that we are advertising to the wrong people. You want to grow a tribe. You want people who will buy your products. Think about who they are when you advertise. My advice is to get as targeted as possible. Reach less total people through adverting and you’ll reach more of the RIGHT people.
Facebook and Twitter both have great social media advertising options for small businesses. Use the custom audiences and advertise to your existing list. You’ll be much more successful that way.
4. Only Monitoring Your Handle
Social listening is crucial to your customer service. People may be talking about you (good or bad) but not using your handle. If this is the case you won’t receive a notification, but by not responding you are missing the boat. At the very least you should be monitoring keywords that are relevant to your business and your business name. If you are a blogger or have an active website you should also be listening or searching for those sharing links from your site. Social listening – it’s important. Do it.
5. Expecting People To Engage With You
If you want people to engage with you, you have to show them that you are listening and active. No one wants to engage with a company that doesn’t respond to them. So if your customers try to reach you online but you don’t respond, you can bet your sweet little tushy that they aren’t going to engage again. Jump into conversations, create conversations, show the world you are active and ready to engage and you’ll get people engaging with you. I promise.
One last tip, engage strategically. Engage with those who might buy from you. Don’t worry about being popular, worry about generating pre-qualified leads.
What other mistakes would you add to this list?
