Why Your Social Media Strategy Is Not Working

Social media is supposed to be the definitive content marketing channel solution, right? But many business owners are discovering it’s easier said than done. Here are a few reasons your social media strategy is not working.

You’re not advertising.

Yes, social media is free, whereas traditional advertising can cost lots of money. But even so, you have to realize that social media engagement with organic posting is inherently weak—people are overly bombarded by the items in their feed. With social media ads, you can target specific users and secure a noticeable spot in the feed, yielding more click-through action. Develop a social media strategy that includes advertising. All of the social media platforms offer advertising opportunities. Educate yourself on the different ways of advertising and determine what is reasonable for your budget and the audience you are trying to reach. Grab this free report “How to Get Instant Web Traffic with Social Media”.

You’re hacking too much.

Despite the seductive words of internet gurus and content marketing professionals, there is no get-rich-quick solution to social media content marketing. Building a solid presence takes time, patience, and quality material. You can try all the backend hacks you want, but the social media venues have watchdogs to monitor that activity. If they deem it shady, it will reduce the health score of your profile, making it harder for you to market.

You’re not interacting.

It’s called social media for a reason! Even monolithic mega-giants like Disney and Coca-Cola have social teams that interact with users making comments on their pages and forums. If you’re going to build brand loyalty on a social media platform, you have to interact with your followers by commenting on their posts and pictures, and responding to their comments and likes.

You’re not using data.

There are plenty of programs out there that can help you mine user data, which can help you better refine your target audience. This type of software can help you understand who interacts with your brand, and what demographics are potentially most interested in what you have to offer. Without leveraging that info, you’re kind of just shooting in the dark. Many of the social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, offer analytical tools to get this information.

You’re not creating or using good content.

From pictures to textual posts, what grabs attention on social media is good content. Learn about what will get eyes to stop and click on a link, and if you can’t figure it out, employ someone who can.

You are not using images and quotes.

Along with good content there are images and quotes that will actually help and inspire people to look again. We are a visual people. I saw a billboard picture online. It said “Your Wife is Hot!” and had a picture”. Now you tell me would that grab your attention or make you look again. Come on tell the truth! Then right underneath the picture, was the message “Call blah, blah and get your air conditioning fixed.” There you are, a good headline, an image to catch the eye and good content with an answer to the problem and a call to action. Everything that a good social media post should contain.

You’re doing all the work.

You heard it right…the best social media marketing comes about when other people market your product or service. Your brand ambassadors, followers or friends can collectively reach out to a wider audience who is already in love with their posts and appreciates their unique style. Moreover, someone else touting your product or service gives it a seal of approval you just can’t fake on your own.

Develop a good social media strategy. Before you get started on this journey make some good decisions and plans so you will benefit from the work you put into using social media for your business.