Social Media platforms can be used as powerful tools for reaching audiences. With more people on social media than ever before, at around 1 billion Facebook and Instagram users and 740 million LinkedIn users, it’s easy for a brand to market online. Many businesses, however, often get lost in realizing the goal of using social media. Brands should be focused on their company’s message rather than getting people to click the “thumbs up” or heart button on their posts. Although there are multiple pitfalls to avoid when building your brand, we outline seven digital marketing mistakes in this latest blog.
Average screen time is now tipping the scales at an unprecedented 3 hours per day. This means brands have 180 minutes to engage with their market. Unfortunately, many businesses fail to utilize those 180 minutes to their company’s advantage. Carrying a powerful brand message is the easiest way to capture and retain the attention of the people you are marketing to. Communicating clearly and inclusively with your audience can keep them engaged and keep them coming back.
Digital Marketing Mistake I – Making it about yourself
If you want to create a successful brand, it can’t be all about you. Your company must appeal to the people you’re trying to sell to, so make it about them. No one wants to follow or buy from a company that is only concerned with their promotion. Consumers want to see that your brand can engage their audience first and sell second.
Digital Marketing Mistake II – Making it all about the sale
Don’t fall into the trap of making your online presence strictly about sales. Sure, social media is a fantastic way to market, but that’s not the only thing you should be focused on. Through social media, you can interact with your customers. Take the time to create a conversation with them that allows their voices to be heard. Monitoring their feedback and suggestions can give insight on how to make your brand better.
Digital Marketing Mistake III – Using the wrong tone of voice
Tone is everything. If your brand comes across as harsh, cold, or singular, people will gravitate away from your business. Conversely, setting an inviting, casual tone that addresses everyone and will create an attractive, inclusive atmosphere where people feel comfortable provides an instant benefit for your company.
Digital Marketing Mistake IV – Not using hashtags correctly
Hashtags were made to categorize content, allowing brand discovery to be more accessible. Focus on utilizing the most popular hashtags to enhance your visibility. If you are promoting and hashtagging only your brand, it is harder for users to find you.
Digital Marketing Mistake V – Not using images correctly
The image in a post is usually the first thing we notice, so while hashtags are essential, they can be useless without a complimentary image. Think outside the box. You can use images to enhance your brand’s message and strengthen the brand’s identity with a consistent logo. Keeping this in mind, be sure to make your posts cohesive and exciting. Good imagery will tie your entire page together.
Digital Marketing Mistake VI – Not doing enough research
Standing out amongst the millions of online businesses is essential to your brand. You need to be different, and you can do that by being you. Take the time to listen to what your customers are saying. Do some research about your competitors. Find an article or book about the industry you’re in. Taking the time to become more knowledgeable about the business will positively reflect every aspect of your brand.
Digital Marketing Mistake VII – Not being consistent
If you want your brand to be successful, you must be consistent. Consistency makes your company reliable. Posting interesting, quality content daily across multiple social media channels allows the user to look forward to your posts, creates more exposure, and keeps them coming back for more.
Consistency also allows you to stand out from the competition. Having a clear message and consciously interacting on your platform creates an appeal for your brand that another company might not have. Focus on using social media as a platform to connect rather than to sell. It will be apparent to your customers where your priories lie and make them feel comfortable with your company.
An online presence is significant for any brand, but there is a difference between having a presence and mastering your social media. Utilizing your social media creates exposure to your brand and engages more traffic to your platforms.
Applying the tips within this post will transform your social media into something you and the users can be proud of. Taking the time to acknowledge and engage with your customer base will allow them to be comfortable and loyal to your brand. Never lose sight of what your social media is truly about- the customer.
Key Takeaways:
- Take the time to interact with your customer;
- Be receptive to feedback;
- Post engaging content consistently;
- Utilize hashtags and images correctly;
- Double-check the tone of the post.
I hope this article has highlighted the mistakes that many businesses make and how you can easily avoid them. Understanding social media doesn’t have to be as complex as it’s made out to be. It’s Simply Digital offers digital marketing done for you packages to build your brand and create an online presence. Schedule a consultation today.