Noted :: More Then A “Like” – 5 Common Social Media Mistakes

So your Social Media platforms are growing – that’s great. With that growth more people are seeing your posts, your pictures, your personality and your brand. And with increased brand exposure comes more traffic to your social media sites and in turn, more interaction from your fans and followers. That’s exactly what we’re looking to accomplish with Social Media, right? Right. However, many brands click the “post” button and think their jobs are done. You’ve provided content and now your followers will be satisfied, right? Wrong.

Social Media is based upon interaction and conversation. Dialogue between your brand and your followers should be a two-way street – not just a post and run. We see the same mistakes made by many brands on Social Media when it comes to following up and interacting on their various platforms. Here are 5 of those common mistakes and how you can fix them:

 1. Making A Statement:
One of the most common mistakes, and also the easiest to correct, are brands that make statements to their followers rather then ask questions. Questions prompt interaction and responses from fans and followers – more then just a “like”. The solution to this problem is as easy as changing up your copy. For example why say, “Check out our latest packing project” when you can say, “What do you think of our latest packaging design? It was hard to decide on the color scheme, what do you think of our choice?” This opens up a dialogue and will start a conversation. But what about negative feedback you ask? I was just getting there…

2. Control, Alt, Don’t Delete:
It’s tempting, that little “X” in the corner of your screen. As a Social Media Page Administrator you wield all power when it comes to what goes on your page – or so you think. Negative comments will happen to every business and brand, its inevitable. With that, the power can shift with one click of a mouse. A gut reaction will tell you to get rid of a negative comment. Don’t. Show your other fans/followers good customer service by addressing the problem, apologizing if necessary and offering a solution to fix it. Often times an angry customer just needs to be heard – just by reaching out you’re already one step ahead.

3. Take Action:
Whether you’re responding to criticism or asking a simple question, the key to social media is creating action-oriented messaging that will prompt interaction. There are more ways to start a dialogue then just asking a question – host a contest or giveaway, take a poll, ask for opinions, encourage fans to take pictures, ask questions and give feedback on their own. You’ll be surprised how easy it can be once you get the conversation rolling.

4. Selective Interaction:
It’s been drilled into our heads – its all about the fans and followers. It’s true. But what about the other companies, businesses and brands that make up the other half Social Media cyberspace? They are looking to interact and grow their platform as well – help them, help you. Do you advertise in a certain magazine? Are you using a certain product? How about the city you live in? Almost everyone has some form of Social Media network and by interacting it can be mutually beneficial.

 5. More Then A “Like”:
The title of this blog post refers to brands that think by hitting the “Like” button they will be sufficiently interacting with their fans. Not the case. A monkey could hit a “like” button for you. Fans want to know that there is a human behind your brand. The goal is to engage in a conversation with your fans and let them know that there is someone there to listen, respond and help if needed. Your audience needs to feel as though they are being heard and by having your Social Media platform act as the “face” behind the brand, it will allow you bring a personality through your online presence.

Are you making any of these common mistakes? Are there other mistakes you think are being made? Chime in and we’ll be sure to respond back!

~Allyson