Social Media isn’t a perfect science, but there are certain things that you just don’t do. Here are five of them:

1. Spamming Twitter feeds with repetitive messages

One sure way to get people to avoid following you, and those following you to stop doing so is to spam their twitter feeds. Instead of making every last tweet about your rates, try some content that is engaging and wants to make your ideal customer learn more about your business. You will be amazed the amount of people who stick around, and actually respond to what you have to say!

2. Sticking to Only Facebook and Twitter

While those are no doubt the big two, and need to be used – there are plenty of other social media services that can help market your business. We have discussed Instagram and it’s capabilities, other platforms to consider are Google +, Tumblr, and Pinterest.

3. Leaving Social Media Accounts Barren

While we highly suggest keeping your accounts active – nothing makes your business look more abnormal than having social accounts that have been inactive for months or years.

It’s one thing to understand that you can’t take the time to run your business’ social media needs, but even then at least take the time to delete them so that when potential customers look at your accounts they don’t see a ghost town. It has the potential to reflect poorly on your business.

4. Asking for Retweets or Likes/Shares

*Cringe* A compliment is best when it is given unannounced, a compliment means little when it asked for repeatedly on social media. If your content is good people will notice, if not people will ignore it. It’s really that simple.

5. Ignoring Your Audience

Social media is not a monologue, it’s dialog. Sometimes that dialog can be harsh (i.e. bad reviews) However, when more and more customer decisions are made based on reviews they read online, it is imperative to understand what made your customer upset and how to fix it.

It’s also important to respond to the positives that people have to say too! No one wants to be ignored, and those who have nice things to say about your business are more likely to do so if they are responded to.

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Do you have any more suggestions to add to the list? Let me know in the comment section!