Social media is constantly changing. So there are plenty of myths about the right and wrong ways to use it for marketing.
With so much information available about social media marketing for businesses, it can be confusing trying to figure out what’s right.
To help you out, we’ve decided to bust seven of the biggest and confusing social media marketing myths we see.
Social media is free
This is probably the biggest social media myth we see. It doesn’t cost to join a social media network but setting up and managing one costs you time.
It takes time to look after a social media presence. Which means you’re either taking time out of your own busy day or paying someone to do it. Which means it definitely isn’t free.
Every business needs to be on social media
Social media isn’t right for every business. Whether that’s because you haven’t got time to manage it or you aren’t seeing enough results to warrant the time you’re spending on it.
If it isn’t working for your business there’s no shame in not having a social media presence. Especially if it means you can spend your time working on marketing activities that you know benefit your business.
Social media isn’t worth it
The polar opposite of the above. Some business owners aren’t willing to give social media a chance and believe it isn’t worth it.
As we mentioned above, social media isn’t right for every business. But for some it can be effective and lead to new customers and an increase in sales.
Before you dismiss social media completely, carry out a bit of research. Look at whether your audience are on social media and how your competitors are using it. If your competitors are having some success on social media, it’s probably worth you trying it.
You need to be on Facebook
Facebook may be the most popular social network at the moment but that doesn’t automatically mean its right for your business.
Most businesses with Facebook Pages are reporting that the number of people who view their posts is dropping drastically.
This isn’t necessarily because they’re using it wrong. In December 2013 it was confirmed that Facebook are reducing page reaches to encourage businesses to buy adverts to promote their brand.
You don’t need to research or plan
We understand this one; planning can be boring but the old ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’ is true.
Research and planning can help you identify which social network your target audience are using. As well as what kind of things interesting them.
Failing to plan means you’ll probably waste time and money doing things that don’t bring your business any benefit.
You don’t need to set goals
If you begin using social media and you don’t know why or what you want to get out of it, the chances are you won’t see many results, if any.
Setting yourself social media goals can help you create a structured plan to help you reach those goals, whether it’s getting 20 sales a month from social media or 200 website visitors from social media.
You don’t need to monitor your efforts
Once you begin using social media it’s important to monitor your social media efforts.
Though you may know what your audience like you might find that they react better to a certain type of post. Monitoring what you’re doing can help you build a better presence, engage with your audience, meet your goals and stops you wasting time posting things your audience don’t like.
If you’re based in the Burntwood, Lichfield, Cannock or Staffordshire area and need help with your social media marketing call us on 01543 387 047 to organise a chat to find out how we could benefit your business.