7 Common Social Media Beginner Mistakes

Social media has exploded during the past decade. In my role as a social media manager, many people approach me to ask how they should get started using social media. The truth is not everyone should be using social media. You didn’t misread that– Some people should not be using these new platforms. It’s not because they’re not powerful. Most people don’t realize what it takes to be successful using social media to communicate with their community.

Here are the XX things I always ask when someone approaches me about starting to use social media platforms.

1. Who is your social media coordinator?

The most common mistake I see is departments not designating someone to actually own social media. Departments should designate someone who will oversee and manage their social media presence. Having a point person is important so staff in that department know who to send content to and collaborate with.

2. Do you know understand how much time social media takes?

This is my favorite question to ask. When I explain just how much time being successful on social media takes people look shocked. Your designated social media coordinator should understand that social media could take hours of their week, not minutes. If they cannot commit the necessary time it’s best to not even start using social media.

3. People might say something negative about you.

People that don’t understand how social media works often want the benefit of spreading their message, but not the negative commentary it could bring. Social media is a two-way conversation. You have to be prepared for negativity. If you’re not ready to embrace the negative comments and finding ways to improve– don’t start using social media.

4. You need to respond to messages from your community.

As mentioned earlier, social media is a two-way conversation. When people tweet at you, leave you Facebook comments etc., you need to respond. Whether it’s negative or positive every interaction should get a response. Responding to comments takes constant monitoring. Just because it’s Saturday does not mean the comments stop.

5. Who is your target audience?

You have to know who your target audience. Once you know who you’re targeting you’ll know what social networks you should be using. It’s a beginner mistake to think you need to be on every social network. If you’re targeting 18-24 year-old males you probably shouldn’t be on Pinterest. Use social networks that your target audience is using.

6. Are you prepared to create content for each network you’re using?

Every social network has its own “language”. The content you write for Facebook isn’t best for Twiter. The content you write on Twitter shouldn’t be used on Instagram. If you really want to be successful you need to understand these differences and adapt your content to each individual platform.

7. Do you have a budget set aside for social media?

Long gone are the days of “free” social media. As companies like Facebook & Twitter go public profitable business models aren’t far behind. Be prepared to spend money on social media advertising to target your brand and messaging. You’ll also need to purchase some social media monitoring software and other analytics tools to help in listening your community.