Social media has become so ubiquitous, it’s increasingly difficult to truly stand out. Therefore, effective social media marketing requires precision, balance, and intentionality. That’s true whether you’re trying to market a small or medium-sized company, or even bolster the reputation of an individual.
A good starting point is to know some of the most important dos and don’ts of social media marketing. While this list is far from exhaustive, it can certainly provide a foundation for long-term success.
Social Media Marketing: 15 Dos and Don’ts
1) DO create a compelling profile.
Take the time to write a descriptive bio, upload a professional-looking photo, and ensure your profile actually seems approachable and engaging. Additionally, don’t forget to update that profile regularly!
2) DO post consistently.
Work out a basic posting schedule and stick to it. Remember, a profile that’s dormant for days or weeks at a time might as well be invisible, both to users and to social media algorithms.
3) DON’T spam your followers.
While consistency is important, there’s also a limit. As such, don’t post anything that doesn’t offer actual value. Additionally, be mindful if your posting schedule starts exhibiting the signs of diminished returns.
4) DO choose the right platforms.
You probably don’t have the time or resources to be active on every single social media platform. Rather than spreading yourself too thin, consider your buyer personas, and become active on the two to five platforms where your target users tend to spend their time.
5) DO have a clearly defined brand voice.
Should your posts be earnest? Formal? Casual? Humorous? A best practice in achieving a consistent voice is by creating an in-house style guide. A professional writing company can help with this!
6) DON’T ignore your followers.
Remember, social media communication is a two-way street! Set up alerts so that you can always respond to your followers. Furthermore, if they post honest complaints, be ready to address those complaints professionally, exhibiting quality customer service.
7) DO provide value.
Why should anyone follow your social media accounts? At the end of the day, if you don’t have a clear answer to this question, you’re probably doing it wrong. Consider how your posts can offer education, information, special offers, etc.
8) DO proofread your posts.
Twitter may not be the pinnacle of English literature, but nevertheless, it’s important to emanate professionalism and precision.
9) DON’T overdo it with hashtags.
While platforms like Instagram often reward hashtag splurges, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn usually just call for a handful. Therefore, try capping your hashtag use at three to six per post.
10) DO plan ahead.
If you always post on the fly, you’ll quickly find that your social media presence goes dark during busy seasons. To maintain a consistent presence, you’ll want to create an editorial calendar and schedule your posts well in advance.
11) DO include visuals.
Social media is increasingly dominated by imagery… and you’ll need original photos and graphics if you want to attract your users’ attention. Stock photos are not going to cut it.
12) DO generate reports.
Check your stats to see what’s working and what’s not, ensuring you allocate your social media resources where they are going to be most effective.
13) DO have clear objectives.
What’s your goal with social media? Are you looking to increase website traffic? To boost conversions? To grow a big following? Clear objectives can help you align your whole strategy.
14) DON’T overextend yourself.
A small business with five or six employees probably doesn’t need to post as often as a well-known international brand. Don’t wear yourself out chasing social media quantity; instead, focus on social media quality.
15) DO seek help as needed.
Still feel overwhelmed? A social media marketing consultant can help you develop a scalable plan to level up your social media game. Reach out to one of our team members to discuss some social media marketing plans.
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Ready to chat? Contact Grammar Chic, Inc. at 803-831-7444, or www.grammarchic.net.
Amanda E. Clark founded Grammar Chic in 2008. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and English. She launched Grammar Chic after freelancing for several years while simultaneously leading marketing and advertising initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies.