Social media is one of the best ways to market your business, no matter what industry you belong to. This is because platforms like Facebook and Instagram have millions (or even billions) of active monthly users, and you can easily reach out to them by sharing relevant and interesting content.

That said, here are 5 common mistakes you need to avoid in social media marketing.

Overlooking Branding

There are thousands of large and small businesses posting on social media, so you need a unique brand image in order to stand out. Use various components, particularly the color palette, communication tone and language, and an attractive logo.

When you share images and videos on social media for marketing, make sure they include your company logo, making your brand more recognizable and memorable. If you don’t have one, use a professional designer or freelancer. You can’t use a machine to create a logo, even though these services can be affordable. Only a graphic designer can understand your brand requirements perfectly.

Buying Followers

It’s clear that social media and influencers are changing ecommerce by affecting the very dynamics of marketing. However, do you know that most social media celebrities have tons of paid followers? Many brands and influencers purchase followers, and there are many easily accessible platforms for that.

If you’re considering this step, stop right there. Most platforms have advanced algorithms that can detect accounts that have paid or fake followers, and you could be banned if you’re found to be engaging in this practice. Also, you won’t be able to generate actual interest for your brand online as these fake followers won’t interact with your shared content. So, it’s better to get as many organic followers as possible.

Ignoring the Comments Section

One of the biggest reasons brands are active on social media is to be able to interact with their target audience in a relaxed, comfortable environment. If you want the best results from your social media marketing campaigns, it’s important to interact and engage with your followers on a regular basis.

Responding to comments on posts is a great way to improve your social media engagement. Whether you get praises or complaints, addressing them promptly and professionally will ensure your customers are happy. You can also register their feedback in order to avoid doing things that upset them in the future.

Creating Unoriginal Content

Social media is a fun and vibrant place. So, if you want to attract followers and fans, create content that is fun and original. Think outside the box, and don’t shy away from ideas that are slightly edgy or unconventional. You just might be surprised by the results! Besides, there is no dearth of great social media content ideas and examples of brands online for inspiration.

Using the Wrong Hashtags

Hashtags play a huge role in social media marketing, especially on Twitter and Instagram but also Facebook and LinkedIn. However, you need to use the right hashtags for your marketing efforts to bear fruit. If you don’t know which hashtags are good for you, look for ideas among your competitors. You can also use topical hashtags as they are relevant and timely irrespective of your content.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll be set up for greater success, engaging more effectively with your audience in a genuine way while attracting more social media users to your products, services and solutions.