The MoPR Blog

Let’s talk some social media 101. Social media is a surprisingly tricky subject. Just because people sign up left and right, businesses sometimes mistake social media for a great, free, easy marketing resource. While social media is great and free, it is not an easy resource. Communication is a delicate and consistently evolving field, and requires an adaptable strategic approach. Here are some common social media blunders to avoid. What other things would you include on this list?

You post one thing across every platform.

Audiences across different platforms are anticipating and looking for different content. Posting to one platform and having this information pushed out across multiple media is not in a business’ best interest. For example, on Twitter you might engage people by responding to tweets, commenting on and linking to articles which all appear in a constantly updated stream of information. On Facebook comments to your posts all are aggregated (usually) in a comments section. This difference alone requires a unique tactic for each platform. Posting content across platforms also requires different techniques. A business can still post similar information on each platform; however, on Twitter a business is more likely to post more frequently, sharing more information.

You don’t have a plan for criticism or negative feedback.

When you’re parents told you when you were growing up “You can’t always please everyone,” they weren’t kidding. Social media is no different. Not everyone will always react to information or services in a way that you wish they would. For these instances, it’s crucial to have a plan. Preparing some general messaging for responding to different situations makes it easier to respond quickly and appropriately to a dissatisfied individual. Also do not, ever, ever, ever, ever, ignore a negative comment. Social media is a fast-paced environment. Responding to an angry user a week later just ain’t gonna cut it.

All you think about is you.

This mistake is why I personally discourage companies from having a marketing pro solely run the social media efforts. Social media is not all about you. Don’t be fooled for one moment into thinking that just because potential or existing customers are following you on Twitter or “Liking” you on Facebook they want to hear only about your product. No, I’m not asserting people won’t care about significant updates about your brand, but they likely care about the category in which your brand resides.  To become a thought leader among the social media masses goes far beyond just your brand. Be a voice, not just a brand.

 

What other social media tips do you have?  We welcome your comments.