Having spent a lot of time on social media, I’ve noticed some recurring issues that many small businesses face. While social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with customers and building your brand, it’s easy to fall into common traps that can hurt your reputation and engagement. If you’re navigating the social media landscape for your business, here are some essential tips to help you avoid these pitfalls and create a strong online presence.

1. Don’t Use a Personal Account for Your Business

While it may seem convenient to use your personal Facebook profile for business purposes, this practice can lead to several issues:

• Privacy Issues: Depending on your security settings, your posts might not be visible to the public. This limits your reach and can prevent potential customers from seeing your content.
• Friend Limit: Personal profiles are capped at 5,000 friends. This means you could miss out on connecting with new customers if your friend list is full.
• Lack of Business Tools: Business pages provide valuable tools for tracking engagement and reach, such as insights and analytics. Personal accounts lack these features, making it difficult to measure your social media performance.
• Algorithm Advantage: Facebook tends to display business pages to users who may be interested in your products or services. This exposure can help attract new customers who otherwise might not discover your business.

Using a dedicated business account not only maintains a professional image but also provides essential tools for growth.

2. Don’t Share Financial Struggles or Beg for Donations

Posting screenshots of your bank balance or begging for donations can appear unprofessional and desperate. This is especially true for non-profit organizations (NPOs), as it can tarnish your image and deter potential supporters. Instead, focus on showcasing the positive impact your organisation is making in the community:

• Highlight Your Impact: Share success stories, testimonials, and the positive contributions your NPO makes. When people see the good work you’re doing, they’ll be more inclined to support you.
• Website for Donations: Instead of sharing bank details or financial struggles on social media, create a dedicated donation page on your website. This page can offer secure options for contributions, such as bank transfers or PayPal, making it easier for supporters to help.

By focusing on your impact rather than financial need, you create a more positive and inviting atmosphere for potential donors.

3. Post Directly from Your Business Page

It’s common for businesses to rely on others to post about them on personal profiles or other pages, but this practice can confuse your audience and dilute your brand message:

• Post from Your Own Page: Always ensure that updates and promotional content are shared directly from your business page. This keeps your messaging consistent and reinforces your brand identity.
• Encourage Sharing: Ask your followers and partners to share your posts instead of reposting from their profiles. This strategy allows you to track engagement more effectively and maintain control over your brand narrative.

By promoting from your business page, you establish a clearer connection between your content and your audience, making it easier for potential customers to find relevant information.

4. Avoid Guilt-Based Posts

Many small businesses unintentionally use guilt to encourage support, suggesting customers should choose them over larger corporations. Instead, focus on the quality of your offerings:

• Show Your Value: When customers recognise the value and quality of your products or services, they are more likely to choose you out of preference rather than obligation.
• Build Trust: Highlight your unique selling points, customer service, and commitment to quality. When you create trust, customers are more inclined to support you willingly.

Instead of guilt, aim to inspire confidence in your offerings and build genuine connections with your audience.

5. Use Quality, Copyright-Compliant Images

Visuals are vital for engaging your audience, but it’s essential to ensure you are using images legally and professionally:

• Respect Copyright: Only use images you have permission to use, either through licensing or ownership. This prevents potential legal issues that could arise from using copyrighted material without consent.
• Avoid Watermarks: Posting images that are heavily watermarked can appear unprofessional and may lead customers to question your business’s legitimacy.
• Invest in Quality: Using high-quality images reflects your commitment to your brand and the professionalism of your business. If you’re not willing to invest in good visuals, it may raise concerns about the quality of your products or services.

By using the right images, you enhance your brand’s credibility and appeal.

6. Limit Business Content on Your Personal Account

While it’s perfectly fine to share your business on your personal profile, overdoing it can drive people away:

• Share Sparingly: Frequent posts about your business can come across as begging for support, which might lead friends and family to unfollow you.
• Balance Your Content: Consider sharing business updates in moderation. This allows you to maintain personal connections while still promoting your brand.

Moderation is key; aim to share your business without overwhelming your personal network.

7. Keep It Professional: Avoid Criticising Other Businesses

Using your business profile to criticise competitors or rant about industry issues can be detrimental:

• Maintain Professionalism: Stay neutral and focus on your own business rather than pointing out flaws in others. This approach helps you appear more professional and trustworthy.
• Focus on Your Strengths: Instead of criticising others, highlight what makes your business unique and valuable.
• No Rants Allowed: Avoid emotional outbursts or rants on social media. This behaviour can alienate potential customers and reflect poorly on your brand.

By fostering a positive and supportive online presence, you contribute to a healthier business community.

Conclusion

Creating a professional and trustworthy social media presence takes effort, but it’s worth it. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can build a reputable and engaging online profile. Additionally, for tips on how to engage authentically with your audience, be sure to read our blog on The Art of Humanizing Your Social Media Presence.

At Bakgat Marketing, we’re here to help you develop a strong social media strategy. Contact us today, and let’s work together to elevate your business online!