Social Media Mistakes to Avoid

Social media has made it easier than ever for businesses large and small to reach out to potential customers. Unfortunately, social media has also made it easier than ever to make gaffes and blunders that can alienate customers and damage your company’s reputation.

Because social media is a marketing tool that cannot be ignored, businesses must learn to use it wisely. The following are the most common social media mistakes businesses tend to make and how to avoid them:

Going in without a plan. A recent article by Pamela Springer for Forbes.com points out that starting a social media marketing campaign is a waste of time and money if you don’t have any type of plan. Using a scatter-shot approach and creating a profile on every available social media outlet isn’t necessarily a good idea. Researching which social media platforms would best reach your target consumers and determining which of those platforms is the best fit for your business is worth taking the time to do before you get started.



Incomplete profiles. Springer also notes that it is a mistake for a company to not take advantage of every branding opportunity offered by social media platforms. Incomplete profiles appear unprofessional. If you are going to use a particular social media outlet, then take advantage of every opportunity available on that outlet to post your company’s logo, images, information, and appropriate links on your profile. In addition to the social media profiles you initiate for your business, be sure to check for profiles that may already exist in places, such as Yelp and Google Places. Take control of those profiles and update with accurate information.

Not listening. Once your business has established a social media presence, it is critical to keep in mind that a social media platform is exactly that: social. SocialMediaToday.com lists not focusing on relationship building as one of the biggest social media mistakes businesses make. Do not lose sight of the “social” aspect of social media. Take the time to interact with customers, including addressing any negative comments, in a genuine way. If your customers feel your company truly cares about and addresses their concerns, they will be much more likely to remain a loyal customer and even better – help spread the word to other potential customers.

Not being involved. Because a successful social media marketing campaign does take a certain investment of time – even if it’s only a few minutes a day – it is tempting to farm the task of social media management out to an intern. Performancing.com points out that while younger employees might be more tech-savvy and in tune with the latest social media trends, it’s crucial that business owners be personally involved in their company’s social media campaign to ensure the values and standards of the company are upheld.

Help is Available

If planning, implementing, and maintaining a social media marketing campaign seems like a daunting or time-consuming prospect, it doesn’t have to be a daunting prospect. Contact Flyline Search Marketing to find out how we can help your business build and maintain a successful social media presence.