Are you struggling to get results with your social media? It could be that you are making one of these 5 common mistakes – that you may not even realize you are making.
There are a few simple things that you can start doing right now to increase your success with social media.
Ignoring Comments
So you get the comments, but you don’t respond. Social media is not a set it and forget it type of thing. You have to be engaging. Set a goal to engage within 24 hours of comments. Even better if you can do it within a few hours.
When someone comments, respond with a question to keep the conversation going, instead of just responding with a 1-word answer. Ask a question in return to keep the conversation going.
Selling too much
People are sold to nearly 24 hours a day. They don’t want to be sold on social media too. Instead, create a lifestyle for your brand, a story, and narrative your fans can invest in.
What does your day consist of? What trending topics does your brand care about? What kind of conversations gets your audience excited to buy?
Really, you shouldn’t be selling on social media. You should be focused on connecting. Focus on connecting with your audience and solving their problems. Because you have been focused on connecting, when it’s time to promote something, people are more likely to respond, purchase, or sign up.
I just attended a conference hosted by Tish Times & Toni Taylor. They said to always remember ABC >> Always be Connecting (instead of closing). Focus on the connection and the sales will naturally come.
Making it all about yourself
I know it’s tempting to only talk about yourself, your success, and post selfies. It’s exciting and you want somewhere to share that. I get it.
The focus of social media should be connection. It’s about providing value to your audience, teaching them what you know, nurturing them through your sales process.
Make sure your content is worthwhile and inviting them to connect with you: insights, behind the scenes, how does hiring you support them and make their life better??
Focus on connection. Your audience (and bottom line) will thank you for it.
Scheduling too much
Automation is great, but if you aren’t aware of what you automated, then you won’t come across as compassionate (or kind or caring or a decent human being) when you have a post that goes up like that.
Something else about scheduling too far in advance: you cannot address trending topics when things are always scheduled. You will seem inauthentic if everything is scheduled and regurgitated over and over.
If you are going to use scheduling tools, make sure you are checking in on your pre-scheduled posts every once in a while to make sure they are still relevant. They aren’t meant to be “set it and forget it” type platforms.
Be aware of what you are scheduling. Go in often and clean it up. Keep it fresh.
Not using stories
Stories are the name of the game these days, my friend. Most platforms are giving preferential treatment to people using stories. They are even on LinkedIn now!
Stories are a great way to connect with your audience and show them the “real” you. It’s a great way to show behind the scenes of your business, provide value, and connect with your audience in an in-the-moment way.
I have a new download of 50 ideas for stories. Comment below and I’ll send it to you! It will give you a bunch of suggestions of things to talk about in your stories so you can connect with your audience.
Are you using stories? What’s your favorite way to use them? Do you use the stickers and polls? Do you prefer to share short video clips or images?? I would love to know how you are using them to connect with your audience!
Do you love learning strategies like this that will improve your overall performance on social media?
Check out the Content Simplified Monthly Membership. You’ll discover the surprisingly SIMPLE secrets, PROVEN tactics, and REAL truth behind growing your business using social media & content.
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TL; DR
5 common social media mistakes that most entrepreneurs are making.
- Ignoring Comments – respond to comments quickly and with more than 1 word answers
- Selling too much – Always Be Connecting. Focus on the connection, not always making a sale.
- Making it all about yourself – Big N.O. Your social media should be all about your prospects, not you.
- Scheduling too much – some posts need to be in the moment
- Not using stories – These are the name of the game these days