Social media can be a powerful tool for small business owners because it’s a free and easy way to reach potential customers. Having a social media account can improve your Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and increase traffic to your website. Some people think that a social media profile is a replacement for a website. This is not true. Social media platforms are unreliable. The rules that govern the platforms can change in an instant or the platform can disappear entirely. Your social media account is at the mercy of whichever billionaire owns it that day. Social media is a warped version of reality like a distorted mirror in a haunted house. It can have devastating effects on your mental health. Social media has the power to get a local business national attention, but it also has the power to ruin your reputation and put you out of business. If you decide to use social media to promote your business, you should do so with caution and respect.

Lie #1- I saw it on social media so it must be true

Social media is full of information. Some of it is helpful and informative, but most of it is junk. When evaluating information on social media the first question you should ask yourself is, “What is this person’s motivation for posting or sending me this?” Many people and businesses post information under the guise of “helping people” but they are really just looking for a sale or a like. Approach everything with a healthy dose of skepticism. If something seems too good to be true try doing an online search and find information from a reliable source or contact us for help!

Lie #2- I need to go viral for people to notice my business

The power of social media lies in its ability to keep you connected with your network. It takes time and a bit of finesse to curate a network that actually generates sales. You can post a funny video that gets 1 million views but doesn’t get your business any sales. Conversely, you can post something that gets 4 likes and book a new client by the end of the day. Focus less on numbers and more on building quality relationships online and offline. For example, a consultant might decide to follow their clients on social media and comment on their posts. These casual interactions can keep the consultant top of mind and result in more sales for that consultant. Every business is different and will take a different approach to social media depending on their specific goals.

Lie #3- I need to be on every platform to be successful

An empty or abandoned social media profile can do more harm than good for your business. Some people start marketing their business by creating a profile on every platform in hopes of getting more eyeballs on their business. It’s a good idea in theory, but multiple social media platforms can be difficult to juggle. Set yourself up for success by choosing a social media platform that you are familiar with and enjoy using.

Lie #4- I need to post every day

There are tons of marketing gurus that will tell you in order for you to succeed online you need to post three times a day, have a content calendar, automate your posts, hack the algorithm, research your hashtags, get a million followers, and hire a virtual assistant for $400/week to help you stay consistent. None of that is necessary to see positive effects from social media. Instead, try posting something relevant to your business once per month. It doesn’t have to be fancy, complicated, or expertly produced. Post about a sale you’re having, new inventory, a client testimonial, or a profile on one of your team members. Every time you post it’s like adding a new item to a time capsule and anyone who comes across your business now or in the future can access it. An account that is 3 years old and has 25 posts is more reputable than a profile that is 3 days old and has 250 posts. Take your time and focus on quality over quantity when it comes to posting on social media.

Lie # 5- I need to use social media to promote my business

Social media has some undeniable benefits but it’s not appropriate for every situation or every business. Remember- social media is a communication tool. What is your preferred method to communicate with people associated with your business? For some it’s phone calls, others work in person, some still rely on snail mail. Social media should not be your main or only method of communication because it is inconsistent and hard to control who you are reaching. Instead view it as an option that can enhance your existing communications in some instances.

For help evaluating if social media is right for your business, contact us or build a website quote to schedule a free consultation.