As a small business owner, social media marketing is a valuable way to grow your audience, advertise your offerings, and establish clout within your community. That being said, digital marketing requires commitment to be successful. Learning best practices is essential, but so is knowing what not to do. Here’s a list of common social media mistakes you’ll want to avoid as you highlight your company online. 

What to Avoid in Your Company’s Social Media Marketing

1. Lacking a Strategy

Small business owners have an opportunity to use social media to promote new products, events, and company ethos. In essence, it’s not just about posting about a sale or sharing a photo of your latest display. Instead, establishing an overall strategy with specific goals in mind is a must to elevate your brand. This should include establishing the right tone for messaging, creating a posting schedule, adhering to hashtags, and defining subjects to focus on. 

2. Posting the Same Content on Different Platforms

Each social media platform is different and opens your business up to a specific audience. Know your followers on each platform and cater your content to that group. Instagram is a highly visual outlet, whereas Facebook gives you the opportunity to upload albums or longer stories. Use each platform to your advantage to increase engagement and interest in your posts. 

3. Ignoring or Policing Comments

The comment section is a great firsthand way to hear from your current and potential customers. Do your best to respond and engage with happy customers so that they feel seen, heard, and appreciated. In contrast, avoid the urge to police the comment section by deleting negative feedback or badmouthing “trolls” that aren’t fond of your service. Alternatively, attempting to listen and resolve issues will improve your standing with customers and show followers that you truly care and wish to make things right. 

4. Sharing Repetitive, Unoriginal Content

When you offer a specific service or product, you may feel the urge to post the same photos and copy over and over again. Unfortunately, this can seem dull, repetitive, or lacking the human touch that inspires audiences. Instead, outline a strategy and focus on finding unique, original ways to highlight your goods and services, whether it’s playing off holidays, promoting local functions, or offering discounts and specials.

If you’re looking for social media marketing assistance that will elevate your organization, IDU Creative will help. With a commitment to streamlining workflows and enhancing digital marketing tactics, this Rochester, NY, based agency has helped international clients boost business for over two decades. To discuss your creative needs, call today at (585) 248-5229. For more information on their suite of services, including graphic design, web design, and branding solutions, visit their website.