Saturday, November 24, 2012

The Top 10 Mistakes People Make Using Social Networking for Business


Those new to social networking or social media marketing - even some experienced using it - can easily get caught up in the moment, when positing. With such things as a serious sales pitch, cynical postings, invalidating a follower, protracted and unfriendly responses to someone unhappy with comments or products. While one comment can cost you, think about how a combination of these can take their toll. Void any good previously created on your pages.

Here are the top 10 social networking and social media marketing mistakes you can make:

1. Shameless Self-Promotion

By far, the worst thing you can do is use your social media site as a sales page. People on these sites don't want to be marketed to. They want to socialize, network and share common interests.

2. Buying Your Friends

On Fiverr.com and other freelance sites, you'll find people selling friends for social media sites. It may be tempting to pad your profile with fans, but this is a deadly mistake. In most cases, the 'friends' aren't even real people. If they are, count on the fact they're not really interested in your page or postings. Do this enough, and it will become obvious to real people who show up to visit your page.

3. One-Way Exchange

When people comment, or ask questions on your page, you must respond. You need to reply to questions, thank posters for comments and suggestions. In short, make visitors and followers feel welcome. This shows you're an approachable, responsive brand that cares about customers and clients.

4. Doing Nothing

What makes a social media site popular is interactivity. If yours just presents information about your brand, and nothing more, people won't stick around. Use the apps and widgets available to make your site interactive.

5. Social Media Neglect

Maintaining a social media site requires checking it regularly. Try to set aside time, daily, to post, comment and respond. The brands, most active, generally are the most popular; with the most active followers. Try to carve out a little time and include it in your schedule.

6. Fighting Words

Regardless of remarks made, never respond by complaining, insulting or fault-finding with a poster. Doing this can quickly brand you as unprofessional. Not just to the commenter but to other followers and visitors. Always be considerate, polite and friendly. Keep things positive even when you'd love to give someone a serious piece of your mind.

7. It's All About Me

If your page does nothing but talk about you, your products and services, people won't stay interested. Share tips, resources, links to other valuable info and articles. Create surveys and polls to discover what fans and followers would like to hear more about. Then create it or find it and share it.

8. Wallflower

Don't wait for people to visit your profile. Get out there and socialize. Make friends, spend time on other profiles. Take time to get to know people. You'll be surprised at what a difference this makes.

9. Inappropriate Comments

Whenever you're logged in, be extremely self-aware. Every statement you make - every suggestion, every comment - reflects your brand. Make them clear and concise. Show your personal side but steer clear of sharing too much personal info. Show yourself as a professional. A biz owner who can be counted on to do the job if hired. Someone people want to follow, refer and positively talk about.

10. All Over the Place

Create continuity by sticking to topics related to your brand. While it's okay to digress, show your personal side, sticking to related brand topics is best since it's what fans care about, most. And, very importantly, why they follow you.

Bottom line, respect your followers and fans, treat them well. Respond to questions and problems with care; provide additional info, if needed. Present them with valuable info, resources and links they can actually use. Show them you appreciate and value them. And they will continue to respect and follow you.




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