The Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing can initially feel a bit overwhelming, especially with so many platforms, strategies, and trends constantly changing. But at its core, it's about connecting with people in a meaningful way. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, knowing what to do (and what to avoid) can make a huge difference in your success.
So, let’s dive into the essentials of social media marketing with a friendly, straightforward guide to help you navigate the do’s and don'ts!
The Do’s of Social Media Marketing
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
First, let’s talk about the positive steps you can take to make the most of your social media presence.
Engagement with Audience
One of the most important things you can do is engage with your audience. Social media is all about conversation, so respond to comments, messages, and even mentions. Show your followers that you’re listening and that you care about what they have to say. It’s an easy way to build a loyal community and strengthen relationships with potential customers. Sometimes, we tend to neglect or forget to engage, when we do so, we lose our audience's interest, and the next time you post, they won’t bother engaging, after all, no one was previously listening.
The more you engage in every reaction from your audience, the more they see your involvement, which will lead them to continue to engage. Sometimes, I will just thank the people who have shared a heart in my post or tagged me, to show them I’m here listening and observing, as much as they are.
Be Consistent with your Brand’s voice
Another key thing is to be consistent with your content. Posting regularly keeps your brand visible and helps maintain the interest of your audience. But consistency isn’t just about frequency—it’s also about tone and style. Make sure your posts align with your brand’s voice and values so people know what to expect from you.
Alongside consistency, quality matters. People’s feeds are packed with content, so it’s crucial that what you post stands out. Whether it's stunning visuals, informative articles, or fun behind-the-scenes moments, aim to create content that resonates with your audience and offers them something of value. The Key is VALUE !
Teach your audience, that whatever you post, they will get some sort of value, and it will be consistent, same days and times as well as the same brand’s voice. This way, they can predict, expect, and look forward to your posts every time.
Know your Analytics
Another smart move is to track your analytics. Every social media platform provides data on how your posts are performing, and diving into these insights can teach you a lot about what’s working and what isn’t. By understanding what type of content gets the most engagement or when your followers are most active, you can make smarter decisions moving forward.
This means that consistent posting, will give you enough data to review your audience’s engagement and know what content resonates with them. Tip: When you see a high volume of impressions on a post or reel with a specific topic, create 10 more topics related to that one, the other topics are support to the main post that performed well.
Lastly, don't forget the power of collaboration. Partnering with influencers or other businesses can open up new opportunities and help you reach a wider audience. Just make sure the partnership feels natural and aligns with your brand's values to keep things authentic.
The Don’ts of Social Media Marketing
While it’s easy to focus on what to do, there are definitely some things you should avoid when it comes to social media marketing.
Over Promoting yourself
One of the biggest mistakes is over-promoting your products or services. If your feed is filled with nothing but sales pitches, it’s going to turn people off. Social media is about building connections, not just pushing your products. Balance promotional posts with content that entertains, educates, or inspires. Your audience will appreciate it and feel more connected to your brand.
Ignoring Negative Comments
Another common pitfall is ignoring negative feedback. No matter how great your business is, you're bound to encounter a dissatisfied customer or negative comment at some point. Ignoring these comments or deleting them can backfire. Instead, address criticism professionally and kindly. This shows others that you’re open to feedback and committed to making things right.
This even helps the people who have left negative comments, when you address them, they know you are listening and could potentially change the way they see you, your brand or your products. If anything, they will be thankful that you replied and noticed their discontent.
Number’s Game
It’s also important not to get caught up in the numbers game. While metrics like follower count and likes are nice to look at, they don’t always reflect true engagement or the quality of your community. Focus less on vanity metrics and more on fostering real connections. A smaller but more engaged audience is far more valuable than a massive following with little interaction.
Some Content creators or Businesses get discouraged when their audience is small, but out of your total followers, how many view your posts? How many comments or give it a heart? How many share it with others? If a big number out of your small following does this, you are on a good path! Keep it up.
Inconsistent Schedule
Another mistake is being inconsistent with your posting schedule. It’s easy to fall into the trap of posting sporadically, especially when life gets busy, but inconsistency can cause your brand to fade from people’s feeds. Set up a content calendar to stay organized and ensure you're posting regularly enough to maintain visibility.
By posting consistently, not only are you helping yourself with the platform algorithms, ( as they do take notice when and where you post) but will help you with your followers, as they will know when to expect you.
Platform Rules
Lastly, don’t ignore the rules of each social media platform. Every platform has its own best practices, from the type of content that performs best to the ideal post length and time of day. Trying to use the same content across all platforms without considering these nuances can limit your success. Take the time to tailor your posts to each platform to get the best results.
This doesn’t mean to “not” repurpose your content, it just means, to favor the way that specific platforms prefer the content to be posted. For example, Instagram favors carousels and reels that are 60 to 90 seconds with high quality and visuals, whereas Titktok prefers 15-second videos that are trending audios. Youtube prefers Long content formats that are linked to 60-second shorts, and so forth.
Wrapping It Up
Social media marketing is an ongoing journey of trial and error, but by focusing on building genuine relationships, staying consistent, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to success. Keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly—have fun with it!
When you approach social media with authenticity and a willingness to listen, you’ll not only grow your brand, but you'll also create a community of loyal supporters who are excited to be a part of your journey.
So get out there, stay engaged, and remember: It's not about being perfect—it's about being present and real.
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