I am constantly reviewing my social media finding what works and what doesn’t on different social media platforms. The rules of the game are always changing and you have to constantly be in the know of what is new. So, with all of this constant researching I do to stay on top of things, I feel as though I have almost mastered a few techniques and learned a few things!
Here are a few of my suggestions on what you SHOULD NOT be doing on social media:
MISTAKE #1: Trying To Master ALL Social Media Platforms
You don’t have to be everywhere online in order to be successful. Launching your blog or business with every single social network is completely unnecessary, but unfortunately, it’s a very common practice. Building four or more platforms from the ground up is incredibly challenging. It’s even more challenging to try to build them all within the same time frame. Trying to build a social presence so aggressively can hinder your growth and engagement across all of your platforms, because you end up stretching yourself too thin.
MISTAKE #2: Lack of Engagement with Your Audience
Are you trying to build your tribe while ignoring the audience you already have? Something that I find puzzling is when bloggers indicate that they want more engagement on their platforms, but they currently don’t respond to the comments that they already get. Personally, if I see that someone doesn’t engage with their followers, it’s less likely that I’ll interact with that account. As you’re trying to grow your brand, don’t get so caught up in finding new followers that you never interact with those who have already given you their support. And don’t forget to be genuine!! Nobody likes a fake comment or response. It just makes people steer clear of your account.
MISTAKE #3: Managing Your Social Media Manually
So, as a blogger and a Real Estate Broker, I find that managing my time can be a huge challenged when I have to also maintain and manage my social media platforms. I only currently use three main platforms: Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest. For me, I use my planner inserts to manage what blog posts I have to qwrite each month and I usually have them on a schedule once written and typed to automatically be published on my blog. Since I use SquareSpace, I find that it is so easy to use upload blog posts in advance and have it automatically publish on a date I set it for. I urge you all to utilize some sort of content planner, or media planner to plan out your content. They can be also immensely helpful when it comes to organization. I believe that automation is great for scheduling and streamlining your social media presence, but I do not encourage automation for interaction/engagement purposes. That’s just a huge NO.
MISTAKE #4: Don’t Come Across As A SPAM Account
Promoting your content on social media is absolutely critical in order to drive visitors back to your blog, sign up for your mailing list, purchase your products, etc, but don’t forget the social aspect of social media. Your audience wants to know who you are, and they want to know what sets you apart from others in this online space. So, don’t just promote, promote, promote. Share behind the scenes details, fun facts about yourself, helpful tidbits, etc. No one wants to follow an account that’s a never ending advertisement. Balance your promotions with helpful and fun content to keep your audience coming back.
MISTAKE #5: Hiding Your Business
So, here is where I have mixed feelings because I find that the opposite work for ME; but they may not work for YOU. I am a licensed Real Estate Broker and I post quotes and photos not real estate related to my social media. I have built a relationship with my audience that even though I am not spamming their account with real estate information, they are fully aware that I am a realtor. I do, however, showcase my business and my blog as often as I can without coming across as spam. The trick is to know the difference between hiding your business and not spamming your audience. Connect and engage with your audience so they are well aware of your business that when you do promote your business, they will be more likely to engage with you.
And that is my list loves! The major ones, that is. Try to keep a few rules and guidelines and PLAN AHEAD!
With Love | Nikki xo