We’ve all made mistakes in our lives, right? There is nothing wrong with making a mistake if you learn from it, but here are some tips so that you don’t have to learn it the hard way!
Posting Inconsistently
Not posting, or only posting every once in a while doesn’t reflect well on your business. It shows that you either don’t have the time for your audience, or you don’t care enough about them to stay connected.
My suggestion: if you are literally too busy to post, assign the task of updating your social media site to one person – not two or three. Also, make sure they are well-versed in your company’s mission and morals so that you can trust them to represent your company.
Additionally, there are widgets and sites out there where you can automate your posts throughout the day or week. These days, almost everyone can tell when a post is automated, so make sure you are following up on the responses you are getting back, and occasionally tossing it up with an appearance.
Constantly Advertising
You don’t advertise yourself at a party, so don’t use social media to do it. When the news publishes your press release they are publishing it for the public, because if it were an advertisement you would have to pay.
Same thing applies with social media. It’s not another outlet for you to push products. Social media is about being social, making connections, keeping in touch. It’s all about the personal connection that you are fostering with people.
Think Before You Post
With information passing so quickly today, and with the amazing ability to print screen at the touch of one button, what goes on the internet stays on the internet- forever.
If you callously made a disparaging remark towards a tragic event or at someone else’s expense, your company may end up paying for that mistake- literally.
A business page isn’t the same as a personal page; you can’t just post whatever you want. There are consequences to every post, so try to make it positive consequences! You are representing or having your company represented on social media, never forget that. You never know whose sensibilities you may offend by posting something inappropriate.
When you aren’t sure if the comment you are going to post is appropriate or not- don’t post. Can you afford to take the gamble? Are you prepared to back up your statement? Are you willing to die for the sake of your company? Just kidding- wanted to make sure you got the point! 
In all seriousness, it cannot be stressed enough that you are aware of what type of message you are sending out at all times. These messages and postings will reflect your company, and can influence a consumer to become a customer. Be mindful.
Ignoring Your Audience
Social media is a conversation, and not a monologue. People want to be engaged, they look for interaction. They want to be cared for and loved, and made to seem important. If your company cannot fill those needs, I can assure you that your competitors are.
By never commenting back, by always making it a one-way conversation, people will tune you out. Address comments, concerns and inquiries as soon as that opportunity presents itself.
Don’t Overextend Yourself
This means, stick to a few sites and don’t go crazy trying to dominate every social networking site. It’s pointless, and it just wastes your time and energy. Instead, do things the smart way.
Establish where your primary audience is going to be, and where your target audience is located. Do you really need a YouTube account if your company is never going to use it? The best way to use social media is to figure out what tools are available to you, and which tools will be the most useful and ultimately profitable.
Track Progress
It’s easy to say social media didn’t work for you when you don’t track how it has generated leads and new business. Create a database of some sort to see if there is any correlation between the number of comments versus the amount of purchases you made. Also, keep track of what posts got people interested and talking, so that you can repeat it in the future.
The most important mistake that a company can make isn’t one of the above. It’s forgetting to HAVE FUN! You are at the party to, so you might as well enjoy yourself! Social media is your proverbial social stage, so get out there and have a great time!
Stay social.
