Avoid these 3 social media newbie business blunders

The internet is where people go to discuss their favorite sports teams, politicians, recipes — you name it. This is especially true for customers. You can find out how much people love or hate your business by what you see via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and other social media platforms.

More and more of your customers will be tech-savvy folks who expect businesses to engage with them using these platforms. But when your company steps into the no-holds-barred world of social media, be sure to avoid three common blunders:

• Setting up too many accounts. Don't assume your target customers will be trolling every available social media site. Identify two or three platforms that your most-sought-after clients favor, then learn the strengths and weaknesses of each platform.

• Blending personal and business accounts. Once in a while, your customers may enjoy a personal photo. But your politics may offend. They may go elsewhere when you post comments about a recent Hawaiian vacation, or your favorite politicians. To avoid appearing unprofessional or trivial, keep your company's social media site separate from your personal account.

• Using social media for the hard sell (right away). Think of these internet gathering places as a casual party. You don't walk in, immediately hand out business cards and grab the microphone from the host to advertise your latest product. Take it slowly. Get to know the attendees first. Educate, entertain and add value. Then talk about your business in response to a customer's expressed needs.

Expect to spend at least three months of concerted effort to see tangible business results using social media platforms. The more time you dedicate to getting to know your clients and potential customers, the better you'll be at providing them the products and services they want.

© MC 2017