Marketing Through Social Media Without Being a Nuisance

Social media is one of the most affordable, far-reaching forms of mass communication that exists in the world today. This is no secret to any person involved in marketing, but the ways in which they utilize social are where many companies end up going wrong. While it is important to be active on social media, many brands can cross the line between informative and bothersome and often end up being unfollowed or ignored on these social channels. This overbearing nature can be detrimental to a brand’s overall social presence. It is vital that any company utilizing social media walks that thin line that establishes themselves within the minds of users without overstepping their boundaries and hurting their overall message.

There are three things you should be cognizant of when handling social media for a company:

Don’t over-post

Just like with spam emails, social media users can easily become annoyed if their timelines become consistently congested with businesses promoting themselves. Remember, the cornerstone of these social channels is connection with friends, not companies. You shouldn’t post more than three to four times per day on Twitter and no more than once on Facebook or Instagram unless absolutely necessary. This gets your message out in front of consumers without oversaturating their newsfeeds and potentially generating resentment toward you or your brand. Just like with liquor or cocktail shrimp, moderation is key.

Target your audience

You wouldn’t want to waste money by promoting a nursing home via Twitter to a 16-year-old, would you? Exactly. The most invaluable service that social media sites provide for advertisers is a hyper-focused snapshot of each individual and their personality. Because users provide information about their age, gender and interests, it is incredibly easy for a company to target even the most specific of demographics. Companies can successfully promote their brand by tracking this data, listening to their customers and engaging with them on a personal level. Make sure that you utilize these services to ensure that every one of your posts reaches your target recipients.

Don’t make every post an advertisement

Recent marketing trends have seen companies focusing less on selling specific products, and more on establishing a relationship with customers. Touching and compelling content can reach the hearts of audiences and create positive sentiment related to your brand. Learn to take a step back from the posts promoting your product and instead, link to a relatable and humanized article everyone can appreciate. An office holiday picture on your Instagram account or thoughtful tweet on New Year’s Day can generate good feelings in the minds of customers.

Remember: Social media networks were created for people to interact with other people. The more personal and thoughtful your company seems, the better. What other social media marketing tips would you add to the list? Let us know by leaving a comment!