Every day we have important business decisions to make, from how to deal with a demanding boss, tough clients and what to pick up for lunch. Being online is no different (well, maybe not the lunch part). Everyone will tell you what to do right in social media, but what about all the mistakes that are so simple to make? Let’s discuss ways that you can lose fans – and how to avoid them.
First of all, everyone likes an expert, but no one like a know-it-all. Remember to be humble, thank the people that have supported you and give credit where it’s due. Remember that being online isn’t always about YOU. Even in industries where your main objective is to market yourself – sounding like you’re a know-it-all can really turn people off from you, and that’s certainly not your goal.
So for instance, your blog should showcase the ways that you plan to service your customers, instead of only having photos of you and all of your accomplishments. Save that for the “About Me” section, where it’s perfectly acceptable to brag about all of your uber-cool awards. There’s a definite way to reach your customers, without putting them off and making you seem like your head is too big to fit through the door. Remember to make yourself seem approachable – even online. It’s important to balance your business sense with your common sense.
Make sure you’re always replying to emails, comments and even wall posts in a timely manner. Engage your customers. If you have a store and sold a product, and someone walked in and said “Wow, I love your product! It’s beautiful and just what I was looking for to give little Susie for her birthday!”. Would you turn around and walk away without uttering a word? No, probably not (if you would, we have a lot more work to do!). Chances are you would thank them for their appreciation and work on connecting with that customer to make a sale. Same philosophy applies online. These are relationships you’re garnering and each one must be nurtured.
If you’re a Facebook-y person, make sure you’re engaging in your status updates when you see responses. You’ll get many more responses in the future when other fans see that you’re vocal with your comments and replies. Activity breeds activity. The web is a great place where you don’t have to worry about being so stiff and formal, like you do in a business environment. This is your chance to get people to know your personality in a more social arena (again, please use common sense and realize you must still separate business/personal and still need to use common sense! Some things that are acceptable on a personal page, may not be acceptable on a business page).
Don’t send smiles, or pokes, or anything else that looks like a good idea at the time – to any of your business contacts, or through your business pages. You’ll thank me for this later. I’m sure you have that one annoying friend who has found every Facebook application known to man, and wants you to join, too. Don’t. Just save yourself the aggravation – politely press the ignore button, and move on with your day. Your business colleagues won’t take you seriously if you’re constantly sending them Margaritas and SuperPokes. If you must partake in some FarmTown fun – ask Aunt Sally to be your neighbor. She’ll love it.
Don’t be confusing. Make sure your websites and blogs are easy to navigate, cleanly designed, easy to search and has all the information someone may be looking for. Keep your sites consistent - even when it comes to social media. You can customize your Twitter, YouTube and Myspace pages – plus your Facebook Fan page has places you can customize, too. Take the time to make these all consistent with your website and/or blog site. Don’t have more than one of each page and make sure you’re providing links on all of them to your other pages. If the background is too busy, or you have flashing glitter icons all over – you can hire a professional to help you out. Busy graphics will turn people off from your site, and make you look more like your 15 year old set it up for you – anything but professional. You want to direct everyone to one place – which will make communicating much easier. A Facebook Fan page is a great way to reign in your “fans” and send updates while promoting your product or service. I highly recommend this.
Lastly, be positive! (If you still need the “Don’t”… Don’t be a Negative Nancy, or Debbie Downer). A little positivity goes a long way, and when you’re blogging or updating your statuses, something as simple as a bad day communicated online may give some people the idea that you have a negative attitude. Especially if you’re making a habit of it. And never, ever, EVER call out a client (personally or anonymously). Someone will always find it – and potential clients will worry about being on the wrong end of one of your Tweets in the future. This is just a bad business practice for every possible reason. Try some of these instead:
DON’T – “Ugh, had an awful day today! My clients are so demanding!”
DO – “Tomorrow’s a new day with some awesome clients!”
DON’T – “This new project is so boring. Can’t wait to get some COOL stuff in the future.”
DO – “Working on a brand new project for a client! So excited to kick this off!”
Just keep in mind to keep your tweets upbeat and positive, and people will love you for it! I don’t expect every day to be sunshine and rainbows, but you’ll save your business if you’re smart about the things you say!
Tags: blogging, creating wow, creatingwow, facebook, internet marketing, internet marketing expert, internet marketing help, internet marketing hotline, internet marketing support, meredith communications, meredith oliver, Social Media, social media marketing, social networking, twitter, web, web marketing help, web marketing strategy, website design
Great Article!! Loved the information!
You are ABSOLUTLEY right!! Great insight!
Love your insight Meredith! You Rock! I always enjoy watching you train and inspire others to utilize social media, the right way!