Internet Marketing Digital_marketing_for_dummies | Page 234

Avoiding Social Media Mistakes
No discussion about social media marketing would be complete without acknowledging
some big mistakes to avoid on the social web:
Don’t respond when you’re angry. Some social media users try to bait you into
responding unprofessionally. If someone makes you angry, give yourself time to cool
off before responding, or assign someone else you trust to handle the situation. Always
be professional in your response.
Don’t buy followers/connections. It doesn’t make ethical or business sense to have
robots or fake accounts follow your social channels. Focus these resources on creating
a great experience for the followers you do have, and your social channels will grow
naturally.
Don’t try to be everywhere. The social web is far too large to have a presence
everywhere. Master a few channels where you can have influence, network with people,
and sell your products and services. Use a tool (discussed in this chapter and also in
Chapter 16) to conduct social listening on channels where you don’t have an active
presence.
Don’t be a salesperson. There is a time and place for social selling. Be strategic and
intentional with offers that are appropriate for social media channels.
Don’t automate everything. Your social channels should be personable and
approachable. Avoid automating every up date, and leave room for your users to
connect with you on a human level.