15 social media marketing mistakes to avoid - #045

If you want your business to thrive and survive moving forward,
making social media a key part of your marketing strategy is
essential. Without it, you risk hurting your brand and business
by not staying relevant, accessible, and connected to your
customers. But when used properly, it can serve as a powerful
force to boost your business and keep you ahead of the
competition.


 


In this episode, Adam discusses 15 social media marketing
mistakes your business should avoid and why social media
marketing is one of the most important tools you can implement in
your business.


 
Episode Discussions:

The most important element in creating an effective social
media marketing plan

The one tip that could 10x your social media marketing
results

Why the short game is a costly amateur mistake

How to start benefitting from the incredible power of paid
social media traffic

The best place to start if you’re brand new to paid traffic

What separates the amateurs from the pros

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in business and
social media marketing

Facts and stats on social media consumption and it’s
influence on web traffic and consumer purchases

What important details to consider when identifying your
target markets social media usage

Why right now is considered to be the “golden age” of paid
traffic

The most effective marketing strategy to combine with social
media to amplify your efforts

Why it’s fair for social media networks to charge for ads

How being overly polished, rehearsed, or scripted can hurt
your business

How to save time and money by identifying your target
market’s channels

Ways to avoid overwhelm and how to get help with your social
media marketing



 


 


3:18
Mistake #1: Not using social media marketing

There will always be some form of social media channel that
connects users, friends, family and businesses.

Neglecting it signals carelessness for customers, how they
want to connect and consume information.



 


3:59
Mistake #2: Not giving social media marketing the respect it
deserves

Most businesses are unaware of power and potential of a
strategic social media marketing campaign.



 


4:44
Mistake #3: Treating social media like a hobby

Happens when:

Social media is misidentified and not treated as a valuable
business tool.

Miscategorize it under personal and not a professional
heading.

Differentiate the two.





 


Don't do the same thing from the same channel at the same
time.

Approach it thoughtfully and strategically.



 


5:45
Mistake #4: Not being strategic about your social media
marketing

The cause of a failed campaign is almost always a focus on
tactics, shiny objects, a disregard for foundational marketing
strategies and principles.

Businesses play the short game at the expense of building
long-term trust and customer loyalty.

Spread too thinly across too many channels

Throw everything at the wall hoping something will stick





"Strategy is the single most important element in creating an
effective social media marketing plan."


 


7:08
Mistake #5: Ignoring customer social media details

Successful companies try to make their customers feel
understood.

Identify your target markets social media usage
statistics

What channels they're on

How they use them

What kind of content they're consuming

When they're most active

What about that channel appeals to them



How you can leverage info to your business’s advantage



Identifying what channels they're on eliminates the need to
be on every channel.

Saves you time and money.





 


8:05
Mistake #6: Being active on every social media channel

Can prove to be overwhelming and time-wasting.

Focus on platforms that best align with your market,
business, and style.

Cuts workload and increases results.





"You don't need to do everything. You just need to do the right
things, in the right place, for the right people."


 


9:04
Mistake #7: Thinking social media marketing is free

The cost is either time or money.

Look at your revenue and workload.

If you have more time, get active sharing, helping,
posting, and caring.

If you're more established, it's worth investing money
when done strategically.





 


9:42
Mistake #8: Not investing enough in social media marketing

Competition is at an all-time high

more connected world

more discerning clientele



Level of minimum viable investment continues to climb.



"When done right, more time and money in is going to equal more
time and money out."


Allocate more of your business's marketing budget toward
social.



 


10:36
Mistake #9: Playing the short game

Overpromotion will burn audience and yourself out.

Many get the impression that online marketing doesn't work.

The real money is generated long-term with:

Back-end sales

Continuing to nurture customer relationships

Building a worthy brand





 


11:41
Mistake #10: Not combining social media with content marketing

Social media is a tool, not a strategy.

Combine it with a foundational marketing strategy like...

Content marketing:

Rapidly builds know, like, and trust factor

Establishes authority in your marketplace

Creates a world class brand and business





 


12:33
Mistake #11: Not leveraging paid social media traffic

Organic (non-paid social media reach) is rapidly declining.

It costs to create, maintain, and service a massive social
media network.

They're free to do what they want to do

Post content on your website first in order to maintain
control of your content and share on social media after.



"In a competitive business environment, any barriers to entry
eliminate those unwilling to adapt and evolve from the
competition."


Start with Facebook if you're new to paid traffic.

Offers the best targeting, options, and easiest use.





 


14:13
Mistake #12: Not being consistent

Consistency provides exponential returns over time.

Builds trust, likeability, recognition.

Commit to integrating and scheduling into your business to
fully benefit.



 


14:52
Mistake #13: Leading with anything other than value

Understand the mentality of the average social media user and
adjust accordingly.

The typical user doesn't log into social media with the
intent to purchase.



Engage customers with value-providing content that educates,
entertains, or a combination.



 


15:50
Mistake #14: Not being authentic

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in business and
social media marketing.

Customers are quickly able to detect a fraud.

Less receptive to big faceless corporations and
meaningless mission statements.



Being overly polished, rehearsed or scripted can hurt your
business.

To fix it, define and establish your values and principles
and live them day in and day out.



"Simply be yourself and don't be afraid to show it."


Customers will appreciate your genuineness and humanity.



 


 


16:52
Mistake #15: Being afraid to ask for help

Facebook influences over half of all online and offline
consumer purchases.

Pinterest drives 25% of all retail website traffic

81% of Millennials check Twitter at least once a day

Snapchat reaches 41% of all 18-34-year-olds in the US alone

Easy to get overwhelmed and put off social media marketing.

Seek help by buying a book, taking a course, or hiring an
agency.



Businesses and entrepreneurs who take action and commit to
adopting a social media strategy are going to be the ones best
positioned for success today, tomorrow, and for years to come.



"Go out there and take action."


 


Contact Adam: Adam@AdamErhart.com


 


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