Social Media & Business

• ​Duplicating posts   
• Repetitive and boring posts. Keep posts fresh and relevant. 
• Direct sales pitches. Social media is a tool to be used to drive people to a website or place of business, not direct sales. Engage your readers by posting information, stories and helpful tips.  
• Inappropriate, controversial, political or religious posts. (Unless you only want clients who believe the same way you do; then post away.) 

• A disturbing trend has surfaced with social media being used as a replacement for a website. Social media works as an extension of a professional website. A business website adds credibility and affords customers the opportunity to learn more about your business, products, services, and make purchases online.​

• Assuming Likes and Follows translate to page views. (They do not!)
• Spending advertising dollars for LIKES and FOLLOWS, rather than focusing on content.
• Social media views are often limited by the algorithms of a social media platform. (Unless people take the time and go to your specific page, they will not see the post. Think about it, how often do you visit pages you have liked?) ​

• Failing to update social media page profiles with a business description, accurate contact information and a website link. (This is one of the fastest ways to lose a potential client/customer. Social media pages are often reviewed for legitimacy and connection. When that information isn't updated, the potential client/customer will not typically search further, but will move on to your competitor.)
• Failing to make regular posts. (If a visitor visits your business page and it shows the year 2012 as the last time a post was made, your business credibility is lessened. Post regularly (weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, but not ten posts a day.) ​​
• Failing to include photos with updates. (Adding photos to a page post attracts readers. Use pictures that you own. These can be taken by you or purchased. Do not use pictures copied from the internet; copyright infringement is real, illegal and can be costly.)  ​
• Failing to recognize the difference between posts that work and posts that don't. Pay attention to comments, shares and likes on individual posts to give you an indication of the type of posts that generate interest.  (When they do not work; change it up.)
• Failing to align posts with the interests of your target audience.

• Sharing blog posts written by someone else in your industry equates to sharing their expertise, not yours'. Most blog posts have a link or website address attached. (Do you really want to direct potential clients/customers to another website? A blog post should showcase YOUR expertise.) 

• Replacing solid advertising practices with social media is a bad idea. (Social media is a simply a tool and a subtle form of advertising; it should not replace traditional advertising.) ​

• Group pages can be effective if used correctly. Invite individuals to join a business group, but do not add them without permission.
• Group pages should be informal, engaging and showcase your products or service. 
• Group pages should not replace but be an addition to a business page.

• Last but not least, keep in mind that you do not own your social media pages. Social media platforms can make changes anytime. Just another good reason to provide links that drive traffic to a business website. 

This is not an all-inclusive list, but tips to help you navigate social media platforms.