Whether your business is just getting started on social media or you’ve been hesitant to jump on board with it, we’re covering 10 common misconceptions about social media content in order to help prepare you for smooth sailing.
Misconception #1: One size message fits all
While it is okay to be posting your most recent blog post on your Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, you do not want to be using the exact same message and times for your posts. Cater your messages to the channel: Twitter should be short, sweet and to the point, telling your audience exactly what they are getting in 140 characters; Facebook can have a longer message that is a little more personal and friendly; LinkedIn should be professional and helpful to your network.
Misconception #2: All content must be conversational
While our team preaches interaction and engagement with followers on social media, not all content you brand is posting needs to be conversational. Our team uses the 80/20 rule from Social Media Today: use just 20% of your content to promote your brand, and dedicate 80% to content that really interests your audience and engages them in conversations.
Misconception #3: Content should only target potential customers
While new business is always a priority, the content on your social channels should not be ignoring your current customers. Various demographics and audiences will be responsive to different marketing efforts—it is important to be creating content that reaches all of these groups.
Misconception #4: Content should be professional and business-like
While you should keep your marketing efforts professional, social media is a great great channel to show your company’s personality and the people behind the brand. It is important that brands are finding a balance between being relevant and fun, all the while maintaining their professional brand.
Misconception #5: All content should be geared towards Millennials or younger
You will be ignoring 40% of social media users if you target your marketing efforts exclusively towards people under the age of 35. Older individuals have become very adept at using social media, if only out of necessity. Check out some of our key findings about how different generations are using mobile.
Misconception #6: All social media content is free
Yes, you can post on your channels all you want, free of charge, but it is no longer an option to ignore social media advertising options. Paying to play can pay off and balancing free content with paid online content is worth considering.
Misconception #7: My content is important for presence on social, but that’s it
Sure, your social media content is important to show you have a presence on these channels, but it is also important for tracking analytics! Every social media channel has tools to track different engagement metrics with your audience (Hootsuite, Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, etc). These tools shed light on metrics that can give you insight.
Misconception #8: Content must be constant
Just because consumers give your brand permission to their news feeds, doesn’t mean you should bombard them with content. It’s important that your brand understands the difference between helping followers and simply overwhelming them with content.
Misconception #9: Anyone on our team can curate our content
Don’t assume anyone on your team can be tasked with creating and posting your social media content. There’s a reason that social media marketing is being incorporated into marketing and communications degrees. Companies should consider using social media services or hiring a professional on their team who can handle curating, posting and engaging on their social channels.
Misconception #10: My brand doesn’t have enough or relevant content to be sharing
Worried your industry is too boring or you don’t have enough relevant content to be sharing online? Don’t believe it! Every company has the opportunity to produce quality, engaging content, so get creative—here’s how!
Allee Creative is here to help you develop a solid social media strategy and provide management of all social media accounts. Clients who utilize this service receive strategy, support and execution of social media account(s) set up, content calendar creation, source lists creation and updates, account management (posting, listening, responding) and ROI/analytic reporting.
