Sometimes social media is a deal that sounds too good to be true, from a business perspective.
You have sites with millions of users, all of them looking to read and share content created by those they follow, and it costs nothing to tap in to?
No business in its right mind would pass up that opportunity.
However, social media marketing isn’t as easy as it may sound.
You may be able to cast your lure for free, but people on social media are canny.
They aren’t going to bite at just anything.
So here are three mistakes you need to avoid if you want to catch potential customers.
1. Getting on your soap box
Social media is not a place where you can get on your soap box, shout louder than anyone else, and attract a long-term audience.
It’s an interactive medium, which means you need to show people passing by your page that you are a person, and that you are willing to engage with them.
You aren’t giving a speech, you are having a conversation.
2. Not putting in the hours
Social media marketing isn’t something you fiddle with in your free time.
In order for it to succeed, it has to be a viable, vital part of your business plan.
So make sure you dedicate time, planning, and human resources to making sure your social media marketing efforts are successful.
3. Just winging it
Before you get started, make sure you do your research, get an idea of what will make your marketing efforts successful, and watch the numbers associated with your posts.
Adjust your plans based on the results your posts get, and re-evaluate your strategy every time you notice changes.
Social media can be an excellent way to engage potential customers if you use it as part of a professional marketing plan.
This article was first published in the Newcastle Herald on September 11, 2017.
