5 Common Social Media Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Social media is constantly evolving. Due to algorithm updates or simply customer behavior changes, strategies that may have performed well before, might not work today.
Here’s 5 common mistakes we see when brands social engagement starts slipping and solutions to get you back on top.
1. Not engaging with followers
Social media is fundamentally a two-way street. Brands that neglect to engage with their followers often find their engagement rates dwindling. It’s not enough to post content and hope for the best; you need to actively participate in the conversation.
Solution: Make it a priority to like, comment, and share posts from your followers and those in your target audience. This not only encourages them to engage with your content but also fosters a sense of community. Consider hosting Q&A sessions, polls, or giveaways to further stimulate interaction. Engaging consistently also signals to platforms like Instagram that you are an active participant, which can positively influence your visibility in their algorithms.
2. Posting only sales driven content
Who wants to login to social media and scroll through ads? Not many people.
Solution: Shift your content strategy to include a variety of posts that entertain, inform, or inspire. Research the types of content your demographic engages with—whether that’s memes, educational posts, behind-the-scenes videos, or user-generated content. Experimentation is key; don’t hesitate to try different formats until you find what resonates. Once you discover the right mix, you’ll likely see a boost in engagement and a more connected audience.
3. Having an uncohesive Instagram feed
As a visual platform, Instagram places significant emphasis on aesthetics. The way your feed looks can heavily influence first impressions and overall brand perception. A chaotic or mismatched feed can deter potential followers.
Solution: Use planning tools like Later, Planoly, or Metricool to visualize your posts before they go live. This foresight allows you to maintain a consistent look and feel across your content. Focus on using similar color schemes, filters, and typography to create a cohesive brand story. A polished feed can enhance your credibility, help you to look luxe, and encourage more users to hit that follow button.
4. Only using static images
With the rise of video content, particularly on platforms like Instagram, relying solely on static images can limit your engagement potential. Instagram has shifted its focus towards video content, making it essential for brands to adapt.
Solution: Start by incorporating Reels into your content strategy. Aim to create at least one Reel per month as a starting point. Explore trending audio clips and engage with popular challenges to increase visibility. For example, with our client, Kirkwood Family Dental, we tap into trending audios like here and here. This demonstrates the power of dynamic content in capturing audience attention and driving engagement.
5. Not posting consistently
Consistency is key in the world of social media. Irregular posting can confuse your audience and diminish your brand’s visibility.
Solution: Establish a realistic posting schedule that suits your resources—this could be a couple of posts per week or daily updates. Utilize scheduling tools to batch-create content and automate posting. This approach not only saves time but also ensures a steady flow of content, keeping your audience engaged. Additionally, consider using analytics to determine the best times to post for maximum visibility and interaction.
Conclusion
By avoiding these common pitfalls and implementing the solutions provided, you can revitalize your brand’s social media presence and engagement.
Remember that social media is a dynamic landscape, and adaptability is key. Stay informed about trends and be open to adjusting your strategies as needed. Engaging authentically with your audience will not only improve your metrics but also build lasting relationships that can benefit your brand in the long run.