Social media marketing is one of the most effective ways for small businesses to expand a local reach to one that’s global. Even though social media marketing was slowly introduced in the early 90s with text messaging, the continuous stream of venues being introduced has made many businesses jump on the bandwagon in a frenzy. But jumping in with both feet without taking the time to learn social media marketing etiquette, as well as what venues would be most effective for your business and customer base, can lead to incorrect use and marketing failures. Read on to learn more about 10 ways businesses use social media incorrectly so your business can avoid making the same mistakes.
1 Drive-By Postings
Social media marketing is most effective when used with consistency. Occasional, random drive-by postings show customers you’re not serious about interacting with them and have more interest in accruing sales and followers. While those are the goals, they must occur in conjunction with connecting with consumers.
2 Post and Disappear
Nothing turns people off more than a business’s social media post in which they ask a question to engage followers, and then never come back to interact.
3 Over-the-Top Self-Promotion
Social media is an effective way to promote your products and services, but you’ll lose more followers than you’ll gain if every post is a spammy variation of “Me, Myself and I…”
4 Ignore Negative Online Feedback and Comments
Unfortunately, not every subscriber or customer will be happy. The internet has made it easier to leave negative comments and feedback, so you’re likely to receive some on occasion. Respond in a polite, professional manner as not responding at all makes it look like you don’t care.
5 Lack of Marketing Research
Professional market research agencies can help you learn about your consumer base and what types of social media marketing would be most effective in reaching them.
6 Poorly Designed Presentation
Since social media marketing often leads consumers back to your business website or brick and mortar store, it’s important to make a good first impression with professional design. An internet marketing agency can help you with a logo, website design and other important parts of your brand and visual presentation.
7 Inaccessibility
Connection and interaction are essential to effective online marketing. Respond to comments, answer emails and make it easy for consumers to contact you with feedback or questions.
8 Unrealistic Expectations
The overnight appearance of new social media venues doesn’t mean that online marketing is going to lead your business to become an overnight success. Set realistic expectations, knowing that business growth and expansion take time.
9 Biting Off More than You Can Chew
If activity on one social media venue is a good start, then being active on five or 10 would be even better, right? Wrong; aim for being consistently active on three venues to keep quality up and stress down.
10 Tunnel Vision
Although social media marketing is very effective, it shouldn’t be your only way to build business. Traditional marketing methods can help balance out online marketing and attract consumers that don’t use social media.
About the author: List contributed by Lucy Harper from TouchpointDigital.co.uk
You Might Also Like
5 Things To Know About The Blog Engage Guest Blogging Contest
To bring one of the greatest guest blogging contest under attention I have already tweeted and shared the hell out of it on my social networks, but I couldn’t just post it here. No. It had to be a list. So, a list I made! Check out these five things you need to know about Read more
5 Ways To Avoid Being Late To Work
Most workers are judged by how dependable they are, and always being on time is a great way to show that you are a dependable worker. Thousands of people are still facing layoffs due to the struggling economy, so it is more important than ever to be at work on time every day. Here Read more
4 Biggest Drug Busts In American History
The war on drugs is a fascinating one. We put untold millions of dollars into an operation to prevent others from making billions. The money from drugs could reignite failing economies and put food into the mouths of starving people around the globe. Putting a stop to these enterprises has unveiled some incredibly complex and Read more
5 Factors to Check When Taking Over a Small Business
Starting your own business is a good idea if you’re the type who does not want to have a boss. If you have lots of funds in the bank, one perfect option is buy shares or stocks from companies. But if you want to start small-time, you can take over a small business. Take over Read more