Don’t Make These Social Media Mistakes – What to do Instead

"Don’t Make These Social Media Mistakes - What to do Instead" Fall Road
May 18, 2017
76 / 100

~ by Haley Lynn Gray ~.

One of the good things in life is that sometimes we’re successful in spite of being our own worst enemies and shooting ourselves in the foot over and over again.  

That’s the good news.  

I see a lot of entrepreneurs making some basic social media mistakes that are easily avoided entirely, and that are costing them quite a bit of money. In the worst case scenario, if you’re like them, you can give potential customers the mistaken impression that you are out of business.  

Here are some common social media mistakes entrepreneurs make when trying to promote their business.

1. They aren’t consistent

If they go for months and months without posting, they can confuse people about who they are and what their business is about, and leave everyone wondering if they’re still in business.

What to do instead: Update the post at least once a month, or use a scheduler such as Buffer to schedule your posts ahead of time. Not sure what to post? Check out my guide on social media posting to get some ideas. You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to be consistent. Not ready to keep posting regularly? Then consider deleting your page.

2. They try to sell too hard

They post constantly about their business, and try to sell to everyone they meet. Problem is, people generally don’t appreciate being at the other end of a sales pitch.

What to do instead: Post a sales post about once every 8 or so posts. That means you need to come up with other content. Try testing different sorts of posts to see what gets the best reaction from your audience.

3. They don’t build relationships

All things being equal, people will buy from those they know, like, and trust. The relationships that entrepreneurs build will be vital to business.

What to do instead: Get to know people by name. Comment on their pages. Meet people for coffee or talk on the phone and find vital partnerships for your business. The more you talk to people and build connections, the better your business will do. Build those relationships and your business will thrive.

4. They don’t play it like a long game

Social media is not a fast thing. Building a following and getting clients for your business does not happen overnight. It takes time to tell your story and build relationships. If you expect to get clients instantly, this is not going to work for you.

What to do instead: Start small and build up from there. Take the opportunity to build a lot of relationships. Keep your day job and keep plugging away at it until you make enough money to transition out.

5. They spam friends and people who aren’t friends

People come online to be social, and hang out. They may decide to buy, but they never, ever come online to be sold to. I get messaged by people constantly who I’ve never had any interaction with, and no relationship with, who want me to buy from them, join their team, etc. It is a huge turnoff.

What to do instead: Be of service. Talk to people at least a few times before you ask them to buy. Accept “no” for an answer, and understand that usually means “not right now”. They may come back at a later date to buy from you.

6. They use tricky means to get people into their Facebook Groups

A VIP group is a beautiful thing. Adding all of your friends to your VIP group? Sometimes they run parties that require the people attending the party to be added to someone’s group to participate.  Adding people to a group without their consent generally annoys them and constitutes a social media faux pas.  

What to do instead: Message people to ask them to join your group. More often than not, they are happy to be asked. Invite people from your business page, and check out my guide on how to build a Facebook group. I built my group of over 55,000 members without ever adding a friend who didn’t want to be added. You can do the same.

7. They create a Facebook account in their business’ name

Facebook Terms and Conditions do not allow you to create an account as a business.  

What to do instead: You need to create an account as an individual, and then create a business page. Yes; I understand that you won’t get as much engagement as you might from a personal page. Instead ask business associates to comment on your posts to help build engagement and traffic.

There are so many unwritten rules on social media that you can easily trip over them.  Know that if you approach social media with an eye towards being a good social person, you will have great success with your business. Post content, see what resonates, and post more of the good stuff.

Categories

More Posts:

Ideas for Setting Up a Non-Profit Organization

Have you always had the desire to make a bigger impact on others, particularly on underrepresented and underserved communities? One great way to do this is to set up a successful non-profit organization.  Here are a few ideas for setting up a non-profit organization. ...

Why Your Business Should Offer HSA-Compatible Health Plans

As a business owner, you have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to taking care of your employees. If you offer good benefits, such as healthcare, you’ll be more likely to hire and maintain the best employees.  Here are a few reasons why your business should...

Why Your Office Needs High-Quality Chairs

For any business or organization, the right office furniture is vital. Quality chairs are essential and can help bolster productivity, decrease employee health issues, and remain operable longer than budget substitutes. Investing in quality office chairs provides...

How to Make Sure Your Business Event is a Positive Experience

There are few better ways to make connections while having a good time than by hosting an event for your business. Of course, the networking and trust-building benefits of such an event hinge on planning it well. When organizing a business event, it is imperative to...

Why Your Business Should Be Involved With the Local Community

Why your business should be involved with the local community

The local community is the primary customer base for most businesses unless they operate solely online. Therefore, businesses should get involved with their local community in order to forge a strong presence & distinguish themselves from their competitors. You can achieve this in several ways, primarily by sponsoring local events, such as sports competitions, charities, etc. By connecting with your local community, you can raise brand awareness, gain genuine feedback & insights about your products as well as understand your customers better. Consequently, you can address their pain points, create better products, align your values with your customers’ and thus, strengthen your relationship. Furthermore, by supporting local events, you can attract top talent and show your dedication by hiring locals, creating jobs, and giving back to the community. Naturally, you can create a positive image for your business leading to boosts in sales & revenue.

What to Do When You Plan to Take Your Company Public

Going public is a huge milestone for any company, and it requires a great deal of planning and preparation. Taking your company public can have numerous benefits such as increased liquidity, brand visibility, and access to more capital. From reviewing your finances to...

Technologies Your Business Needs for Future Growth

Companies that are serious about advancing and expanding their operations must prioritize investing in technology such as Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. These essential technologies can give...

How to Use Your Network to Reach Your Professional Goals

Leveraging your professional network is invaluable for accomplishing career aspirations. Whether you're searching for a new job, creating a flourishing enterprise, or moving up in your current position, the people within your network can provide limitless support and...

What I Wish I Had Known When I Started My Business

Starting a business is hard work. There are so many things to think about and do, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Trust me, I know from experience! When I started my business, there were a lot of things I wish I had known. But thankfully, I've learned a lot...

Top 5 Regrets Small Business Owners Have About Starting Their Business

If you're thinking about starting a small business, it's important to do your research and understand what you're getting into. There are a lot of different aspects to running a successful business, and it's not always easy. With that said, here are the top 5 regrets...
Ideas for Setting Up a Non-Profit Organization

Ideas for Setting Up a Non-Profit Organization

Have you always had the desire to make a bigger impact on others, particularly on underrepresented and underserved communities? One great way to do this is to set up a successful non-profit organization.  Here are a few ideas for setting up a non-profit organization. ...

Why Your Office Needs High-Quality Chairs

Why Your Office Needs High-Quality Chairs

For any business or organization, the right office furniture is vital. Quality chairs are essential and can help bolster productivity, decrease employee health issues, and remain operable longer than budget substitutes. Investing in quality office chairs provides...

Why Your Business Should Be Involved With the Local Community

Why Your Business Should Be Involved With the Local Community

Why your business should be involved with the local community

The local community is the primary customer base for most businesses unless they operate solely online. Therefore, businesses should get involved with their local community in order to forge a strong presence & distinguish themselves from their competitors. You can achieve this in several ways, primarily by sponsoring local events, such as sports competitions, charities, etc. By connecting with your local community, you can raise brand awareness, gain genuine feedback & insights about your products as well as understand your customers better. Consequently, you can address their pain points, create better products, align your values with your customers’ and thus, strengthen your relationship. Furthermore, by supporting local events, you can attract top talent and show your dedication by hiring locals, creating jobs, and giving back to the community. Naturally, you can create a positive image for your business leading to boosts in sales & revenue.

All Categories

Business Operations

Entrepreneur Interviews

Marketing, Networking, & Social Media

Self Care & Personal Development

Working Moms

Business Software and Technology

Entrepreneurship & Small Business

Organizing Tips

Sales

Career Building

Family Businesses

Inspiration

Starting Your Own Business

Work-Life Balance

Communication

Hiring Help

Management & Leadership

Time Management & Priorities

Women in Leadership

Recent Posts

Why Your Business Should Offer HSA-Compatible Health Plans

Why Your Business Should Offer HSA-Compatible Health Plans

As a business owner, you have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to taking care of your employees. If you offer good benefits, such as healthcare, you’ll be more likely to hire and maintain the best employees.  Here are a few reasons why your business should...

When it’s Time to Hire an HR Professional for Your Company

When it’s Time to Hire an HR Professional for Your Company

As your business continues to expand, it might be a wise decision to employ an HR specialist who can help you manage and optimize your workforce. An HR expert brings with them essential services that will streamline the operations of your company while keeping your...

Why Your Office Needs High-Quality Chairs

Why Your Office Needs High-Quality Chairs

For any business or organization, the right office furniture is vital. Quality chairs are essential and can help bolster productivity, decrease employee health issues, and remain operable longer than budget substitutes. Investing in quality office chairs provides...

How to Quickly Capture Attention on Social Media

How to Quickly Capture Attention on Social Media

Social media is invaluable for marketers and business owners, especially those working with small businesses. It’s a great way to get the company in front of more people, allowing you to attract more customers. Of course, it’s not enough to just get seen on social...

Tips for Starting a Gardening Business in Your Community

Tips for Starting a Gardening Business in Your Community

Embarking on a gardening business is a bewildering journey that promises both intrinsic satisfaction and monetary success. The paramount initial step is to scrutinize the varied gamut of services you would want to render, followed by an intricate search for tools and supplies to substantiate the execution of those services. Crafting a business and financial plan is an absolute must, especially given the burgeoning competition from fellow green-thumbed entrepreneurs amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Establishing an online presence through a website and social media and designing business cards and flyers are integral to drumming up business. Lastly, building a loyal clientele and network is paramount for sustained success in the horticultural realm.

How to Protect Your Personal Finances From Black Swan Events

How to Protect Your Personal Finances From Black Swan Events

Life throws us an occasional curveball; it’s just a part of life. But what if your finances take a hit due to something outside of your control?  Black swan events are rare, but they occur and can cause massive financial losses. The key is to be prepared for the worst...