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Social media has become a frontrunner when it comes to marketing in the 21st century. Where once traditional marketing such as billboards and TV advertising was the main and only form of marketing, social media has emerged as a more effective and easy way to market to audiences.
Not only can companies now target specific audiences such as those with certain interests or in a certain demographic with targeting, but small companies can now try to compete with larger companies who have far higher budgets through organic and paid social media marketing.
Although this can lead to great success if done correctly, many companies fall into common pitfalls when it comes to social media marketing, which can set them and their company back. These mistakes range from content to on-site content, which can be the difference between virality and failure when it comes to a social media post. Since social media such as TikTok now allow for instant virality no matter your follower count or business size, it’s important that you make the most of these opportunities to allow for business success.
So, if you want to start doing social media right and you need to stop making these 3 mistakes and watch your audience, follower count and more importantly, sales grow!
Social Media Marketing Mistakes
Posting and Ghosting
Many do not realise how important consistent posting is. When you just post once a month, it makes it hard not only to engage with followers but for the algorithm to trust you. This can mean that there is less chance of your video going viral or getting views, comments and likes. This is where you should aim to be posting around 4 to 5 times a week, depending on your industry, even if it is just stills to engage with followers. However, this doesn’t just involve posting; engaging with followers and others on social media through comments, not just on your posts, and reposting can make your brand seem genuine. Companies such as Duo Ling are a great example of this, where they build up brand reputation through commenting on posts and seeming genuine, which builds trust and brand awareness.
Talking Only About Yourself
Many companies fall into the trap of only posting and speaking about themselves. This includes news about internal operations or forecasts; however, for the consumer, this information is unengaging and not something that an audience benefits from. Instead, try to focus on your specific customer needs, such as highlighting what they need and offering fixes. This is a great way to capture an audience’s curiosity through offering solutions and then weaving your brand through the content. This should not feel salesy to a customer, as this can put them off, and should be more focused on offering a helping hand. This could be a personal injury solicitor, for example, offering advice on what to do if you do get injured at work.
Selling on Every Post
As previously mentioned, selling on your social media posts is the best way to alienate your audience and create a barrier between you and your audience. To avoid this, try to follow the 80/20 rule, where 80% of the content aims to educate, entertain and build relationships, and the other 20% can be used to promote your business. This balance helps to create a positive image for a business whilst also building a relationship with customers. This 20% should also be subtle, where you recommend your product rather than pushing it.
