New to Social Media? DON’T GET LOST: Avoid Common Mistakes!

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Hey there! So, you’re new to social media, huh? That’s awesome! But before you dive headfirst into the world of likes, shares, and hashtags, let’s chat about some common mistakes to avoid. Trust me, we’ve all been there, and a little guidance can go a long way.

1. Trying to Be Everywhere at Once (Yes, you read that right!)

When you start out, it might be tempting to create accounts on every platform out there. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok—the list goes on. But hold up! Instead of spreading yourself too thin, focus on one or two platforms where your audience is most active. It’s better to manage a few accounts well than to have many that you can’t keep up with.

However, we do suggest you to create accounts on all of them (even if you are not focussing on posting there) as this helps you to:

Secure the page for your business.
Helps in the SEO of your website (if you have one!)

2. Focussing on Vanity Metrics: Likes/Shares/Followers – the ENDLESS Loop

This is a common mistake among the newbies and we just want to encourage you by saying that it isn’t as important as you think. Vanity metrics are the number of likes/followers etc, anything which can be seen directly on your socials as a sign of your achievement is a vanity metric. Why?

You are starting out and it is important to focus on building your socials the way you want and not focussing a lot on getting likes and followers in the beginning. You will learn, make mistakes and find your sweet spot. But if you keep focussing on this, you will not be your authentic self, and who needs another bot on socials. Here is a quick read about the choice which each of us have on social media – Growing too quickly or growing sustainably? Give it a read a and let us know if you were able to connect with it.

Here’s a pro tip though: Do keep an eye on your reach. This is different from the likes/followers on your account, and this is the most important metric which matters when you are starting out if you absolutely feel the need to dive head-on in the analytics.

3. Ignoring Your Audience (Ouch!)

Social media isn’t just about broadcasting your thoughts and products; it’s about engaging with your audience. Don’t just post and ghost! Respond to comments, engage in conversations, and show your followers that you value their input. Building relationships is key to a successful social media presence.

4. Posting Irrelevant Content and there we go again….

It’s easy to post random things, but your audience follows you for a reason. Stick to content that aligns with your brand and interests your followers. We have noticed people usually post random things when they are looking to have quick gratification or looking to grow quick on social media. If you’re a bakery, share delicious photos of your treats, baking tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at your kitchen—not your cat’s latest antics (unless it’s baking with you, of course).

5. Overposting or Underposting: What’s THE RIGHT BALANCE? – A million dollar question.

Finding the right balance in your posting schedule can be tricky. Posting too often can annoy your followers, while posting too rarely can make them forget you exist. Start with a manageable schedule, like a few times a week, and adjust based on engagement and feedback.

6. Not Being Authentic {what’s the point then?}

We have said it before. It is tried and tested over and over again. Authenticity is about the kind of posts you choose to write about, your messaging style, tone of voice, the way you say it and more. This is the sole reason why cheap social media tactics won’t cut it at all.

For example: Someone can say “we would love for you to experience the most beautiful sunsets at our resorts and take away the sweetest memories” OR “Our resorts offer the BEST memories!! Come and experience it!

Both convey a similar message, but the tone of voice in the first one is inviting, lovely and with kindness, while the second one is more action-oriented and encouraging. The way you communicate your message depends on your personality.

REMEMBER: People crave authenticity. Don’t try to be something you’re not just because you think it’s what people want. Be yourself, share your story, and let your personality shine through. Authenticity builds trust, and trust builds a loyal following.

7. Neglecting Visuals

Social media is a visual medium. High-quality images and videos are crucial. Invest some time in learning basic photography and editing skills, or use user-friendly tools and apps to enhance your visuals. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words!

8. Giving Up Too Soon – no, no, no….

Building a strong social media presence takes time and patience, not to mention falling multiple times, dusting it off and getting up again. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Try to have fun. You have all the freedom to experiment when you start off as your audience is limited initially, but this changes once you have a strong following and then you can’t experiment as such – so make the most of this time!

9. Hula Hula about Leads via Socials

We cannot say this enough but the incomplete facts floating in the industry that more number of followers lead to more number of leads is untrue! There we said it. Yes, more followers can lead to more prospects but it is not entirely true. You can land your first customers with less than 500 followers. Infact we had enquiries (which ended up being clients) with less than 500 followers on our socials. So don’t stress about this one.

So, there you have it! Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with your audience and growing your brand, but it’s important to avoid these common pitfalls. Stay authentic, engage with your followers, and keep refining your approach. You’ve got this! ?

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