Top 5 Social Media Mistakes Business's Make

When I sit down with a company and evaluate their current social media presence, there are 5 mistakes that I almost always see. Read more to avoid these mistakes in your own business!

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1) Using too many graphics

A consistent across social media platforms is that graphics never perform well. They are hard to interact with and create a sense of inauthenticity. The accounts I see do the best add a human and real connection to their followers that keeps them coming back. Posting graphics instead of other creative ways to advertise is an easy way to lose followers and engagement in one fair sweep.

2) Inconsistent posting

Nothing is worse than following an account because you like the content, and then never hearing from them again. Or even hearing from them inconsistently. The best acccounts (for both exposure and the algorithm) are those who post consistently. The consistency of posting (no matter the social media platform) helps strengthen brand image, encourages engagement, and makes your business seem more reliable.

3) Aren't using Calls to Action when posting

CTA's (or 'Call to Action') are what pushes your audience to do something, such as "Comment down below!" or "Visit the link in our bio to learn more". CTA's should be included on everything you post to encourage engagement with your followers. Even if it is something small like commenting their favorite color. Content without CTA's is just wasted information.

4) Not using trends to increase exposure

I have worked for a lot of business owners who refuse to do trends because it doesn't fit their 'brand voice'. While you want to stick with your brand, there are always trend to participate in that can boost exposure. The trick is to make the brands work for you instead of working with whatever trends are current. If this isn't your forte, it might be time to hire a social media specialist to help you out!

5 ) Aren't catering to your audience

There is nothing more cringe-worthy than looking at a page that does not fit the target audience. As a college student, I work with a lot of brands that are trying to cater to people my age, but posting like it is a Facebook page for my Mom and Dad's neighborhood. Or promoting a product using TikTok dances when the only people that could afford the product are high class businessmen. Make sure to do your research on what content works for your target audience!

Honorable Mention: Using QR codes on your social media graphics

A big factor of Instagram especially is the look and feel of your whole feed, and there is nothing worse than looking at a feed and seeing QR codes everywhere. How is your audience going to scan that QR code when their phone is in their hand? It's not possible. If you are trying to guide your audience to a link, put the link on a button in your story and in a link in your bio. It's a waste of space and aesthetics to put QR codes on your graphics!

I hope these mistakes got you thinking about how you can avoid these in your brand. Follow along with my blog for more tips and tricks on how to elevate your business's content strategy!