The popularity of social media is undeniable. There is no excuse not to take advantage of that popularity. Social media can help bolster your business’s or organization’s online reach and reputation. However, there’s more to social media than posting a few Facebook status updates every now and then, a hundred selfies and Tweets that really don’t matter. Here’s how to make the most of your social media presence.
Are There Rules to Social Media?
There are definitely some unwritten rules to social media. Many businesses and organizations don’t follow them, and it sometimes comes back to bite them in the butt.
Let's paint a picture of your current status on social media. Go ahead, pick a platform, it doesn't matter which one you choose. Chances are it looks something like this: 20 or so random posts that have nothing to do with your business or organization, Tweets about the weather, or pins of your products over the last 3 months. Sound about right? This might be a surprise, but people don't want those things.
What they do want is interesting, relevant content that appeals to their wants and needs. Asking your Twitter followers if they are having a nice day isn’t going to get you many RTs. Posting just a link to your website on Facebook without any direction is not going to get people to click the link.
This assessment is more than a lesson in tough-love; it's about transformation. We want to see every professional wallflower out there embrace social media and blossom. Recognition of your bad habits is the first step toward changing them.
3 Mistakes We've all Made and How to Avoid Them
Let's take a closer look at what you're doing now and at how those practices can be improved.
Mistake #1: Lack of planning. Social media shouldn't simply be tacked on to what you are already doing; it needs to be integrated with it. What does that look like? Create content around your marketing plan.
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Ask intriguing questions and answer these questions with original content, such as a blog addressing the question at hand.
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Send out email blasts.
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Post about community involvement and events.
Make sure everything you do engages followers with your brand.
Mistake #2: Impatience that kills social instinct. Social media campaigns may not see a lot of growth at first. This is normal. It takes time for 5 followers to grow to 50 and 50 followers to grow to 500. Don't get impatient and try to buy followers. Bought loyalty never lasts; the latest mob movie can teach you that lesson. It's better to let things grow naturally-organic sustainability, that's the way to grow.
Mistake #3: Always having to say, “Forgive the lateness of my reply.” People stick with the companies that stand by them. You'll lose followers if you're not available; it's as simple as that. Always respond to questions and comments, even if they are negative, and run promotions as needed; whatever it takes to be held socially accountable.
Also, remember that each social media platform is its own. Each message should be tailored to each individual audience. For example, Facebook is about engagement and interaction. Twitter is about posting something short and sweet. LinkedIn calls for more professional posts. (More on all that later).
Social media can be a huge tool when it comes to attracting potential leads, establishing a respectable online reputation and driving traffic to your website. Correct these mistakes and work toward creating a genuine, loyal following on all your social media platforms.
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