Social media is deceptively easy.
Who couldn’t throw a post together for Facebook.
And who couldn’t connect 140 characters to make a tweet?
Business owners at the TOP of their game still think social media could be done by a college intern.
Who could deny that online marketing will dominate traditional marketing in the next decade?
Doesn’t it make sense that you think through some of your assumptions about social media marketing and advertising that will have a tremendous impact on your business in the coming years. (If not now!)
Here are 6 costly misconceptions that we have seen over the last few months…
Costly Misconception #1
The person in the office with the most friends should organize your Facebook posts. Since most business owners think posting to their personal Facebook account is relatively easy, they confuse that ease with an actual social media strategy.
Though social media is a deceptively “easy,” way to reach prospective clients, as well as your current clients, it requires professional experience to implement your marketing goals.
The person you choose should NOT be the staff member in your office who appears to be the most popular online. Understanding what makes for engaging personal posts is different than what will work for professional use.
Costly Misconception #2
You don’t need a designer or design training to do social media. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram are just a few of the powerhouse social media platforms with a design and image focus. Five years ago, you did not need any professional design training or experience to be successful on social media.
That has changed.
If you want high quality, engaging content, you need to have a marketing team with a graphic designer in house to create custom images.
Costly Misconception #3
You *have* to post multiple times per day on all social media platforms. Business owners are quite relieved to hear this one! Most businesses would see tremendous success by posting once a day to Facebook, Instagram and sending out an interesting (shareable) monthly newsletter.
You don’t have to “be everywhere” or post “all the time.” It isn’t a good use of your marketing dollars. Be specific and strategic about grabbing that “low hanging fruit” and maintaining good client communication.
Costly Misconception #4
Posting infrequently, then posting an album of images from an office party is a 
good social media strategy. This is one we see all too often! A business will not post on their social media sites for weeks, then they post a 30 picture album of their office party.
Typically, the only people who will spend the time looking at all of the pictures are the people IN the pictures… and maybe their moms! This is not an effective way to showcase your business and motivate prospects to call your office for the first time.
Costly Misconception #5
You have to have an “exciting” business to be successful on social media. Your business provides value to clients every day. Social media allows you to share these “behind the scenes” moments with your clients and prospects.
When you translate this value to social media, it can be very effective.
Let’s face it—most people have a few objections around buying your product or service.
Use social media as a tool to address those objections and to move beyond them.
Costly Misconception #6
A college intern can manage your social media strategy plan. Understanding how to use social media for personal use is much different than implementing a marketing plan for a business.
This is similar to having your office manager post on your social media sites. It can end up costing you more than you want to spend.
We have seen these mistakes dozens of times (at least!) and they are completely avoidable blunders.
If you are looking for an experienced, professional team to overhaul your social media marketing and advertising, and provide the results, contact us here.
XOXO,
Amy
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