The Don’ts of Social Media Marketing

There are so many blog posts out there explaining what you should do when using social media to market and expand your business, and yes, we are also guilty of that. But have you ever stopped to think about the things that you SHOULD NOT be doing when using social networks to build brand awareness? Let’s go over the top 5 what-not-to-do strategies.
1. DO NOT leave your customers hanging.

Social media outlets are a great way to reach out to your customers and share information and promotions, right? Of course they are. But it is vital to remember to not make your social media efforts a one-way street. When a customer comments on a blog post, a question you’ve posted on Facebook, or even retweets one of your links, make sure you acknowledge it. Whether it’s as simple as saying “thank you” for their efforts in recognizing your efforts, or answering a question that may post to your Facebook wall, do not ignore them! An unresponsive company is sure to see less engagement with their customers than a business who is always answering.

Social media sites are a great way to get consumer feedback as well, so if you feel like you shouldn’t be answering a complaint that someone may post, you are mistaken. By answering complaints or consumer problems, you are showing them that you care about their opinion, and will do whatever it takes to make sure they don’t face the same troubles again. Leaving them hanging will show that you are only using the social media world for your own benefit, when you should be using it to form relationships and create a brand personality.

2. DO NOT spam.

Want your fans to keep coming back to your Twitter page or prevent them from hiding you on their newsfeed? Stop spamming them. Your followers do not only want to see links or articles about your product or service specifically. Seeing a link to your website 7 times a day on multiple networks isn’t going to make me click on it, it’s going to make me delete you, and then block you from ever returning to my social media life. Instead, try mixing in your own business information and links with interesting articles, videos, photos and fun facts. This gives your followers more of a reason to visit your social pages.

3. DO NOT post irrelevant content.

While using your new non-spam mindset, it is also important to keep your content relevant. This means that while posting articles or writing blogs that do not specifically highlight your company’s products or services, keep it in the industry. For example, if you are a makeup company, write articles about how different skin complexions should be using different eye shadow shades. In other words, don’t write about anything that doesn’t have to do with makeup or the benefits it has for your consumers. Posting about which jeans are in for the next season will leave your followers confused, while informing them on how to apply eyeliner will enlighten them. Make sure that all your blog content is original, and give recognition to outside publishers when using their articles, videos or photos on Twitter or Facebook.

4. DO NOT post infrequently.

When scheming your social media marketing strategy, you should come up with an editorial calendar. You don’t want to create a Facebook or Twitter account and then post randomly or less than a couple of times a day. Facebook and Twitter should be used to keep your consumers engaged, without overdoing it. On these types of social media sites, it is better to be more active than not. Share new information, articles and media with your followers every day. If you do not post enough, eventually you will be forgotten.

In terms of blogging, it is important to come up with new content for your readers at least once a week. It takes time, thought and effort when creating blog posts that will keep your readers coming back. Therefore, we understand how hard it may be keeping up with blog posts everyday. For companies that are just starting to blog, 1-3 posts a week should suffice. If you don’t have the time to do that though, there are social media management companies that can take that responsibility for you. Hint, hint.

5. DO NOT give up on social media efforts because of slow growth.

One million followers do not happen overnight. In fact, 100 followers could take months, depending on the size and reputation of your company. With that being said, do not give up on your social media strategy! It takes time to build a loyal and RELEVANT following on social media sites. Of course you can use applications like TweetAdder, which randomly chooses thousands of people on Twitter to follow, in hopes that some of them follow you back, but what’s the use in that? Are they your potential customers? Who knows? The point is you want to create a following that will actually be interested in your products and services, and that takes time. Getting subscribers to your blog will also take time. But you will be sure to see that as your content increases, so will your fans. Be patient friends!