Myths surround the world of social media management. The overload of information about social media has brought a cloud of confusion on what is true, completely false, or used-to-be true. And who can blame anyone for being mislead with social media changing at such a rapid pace? For the record, let’s clear the air for five of the most common myths about social media management.
Myth 1: “Social Media Management Doesn’t Help Bottom Line Results”
The myth that social media marketing does not drive leads and customers has been a dying one, but it still travels around. Study after study has shown businesses that use Twitter as a marketing tool average more than twice the leads of businesses that do not. Companies with more than 1,000 Twitter followers generate 6 times more traffic than the competition. These figures show how much value customers place on being able to connect with brands through social media. Another 45% of marketers say that social media’s cost-per-lead conversion rate is below the average of other marketing channel. Although it is not free, social media is still an excellent tool for any business on a budget. Which bring us to our next myth:
Myth 2: “Social Media Marketing is Free”
While social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are free to join, social media marketing still requires an investment. The days of posting a message for all of your 1,000 page fans and followers to see for free are over. Most social media channels only allow a small percentage of your audience to see anything from you for free. Non-promoted content (that’s Facebook for free) you share on Facebook reaches only 16 percent of your audience on average. While social ads do cost money, they grant you access to an audience that is primed to respond to your brand. Not only are social ads one of the most accurate forms of advertising available, but they are far more cost effective than most forms of advertising like print or TV commercials.
Myth 3: “My Business Needs to Join Every Social Network Now!”
With so many social media platforms to choose from, it might be tempting to join them all at once. Try to resist temptation and focus on platforms that yield the best results for your company. If your industry says that Twitter is the best fit for your type of business, try not to focus too much energy on Google+. Time is money and focusing on too many different platforms will only succeed at stretching your resources thin.
Myth 4: “I Only Need Fans and Followers That Are Customers”
Even though earning fans and followers comes at a cost, try not to fall into the mindset of only wanting to recruit potential customers. Even if a follower lives outside your target demographic, you are also gaining access to his followers. If he interacts with you, his followers will see that interaction, increasing your social visibility. If the follower is an influencer, your influence improves by association. If he shares your content, you receive a boost in SEO and he might even send potential customers your way. It can be frustrating when some of your new fans and followers are not interested in becoming customers, but each one has value.
Myth 5: “I’ll Only Need Friends and Co-Workers to Like My Posts”
It is ideal to have a variety of people engage with your content, including those outside your personal social media circle. Support from friends and family on Facebook does increase your visibility, but only to a point. Working to build a wider follower foundation is necessary even though it can be difficult. You already know friends and family support your business, but what about their friends and family? Paid social ads like Facebook and Twitter promoted posts are great ways reach beyond your network to new potential customers.
Wading through all these social media myths can be confusing. With social media changing every day, it takes quite a learning curve to know what is true today and what was true yesterday. Click here or call (817) 642-9686 to put your social confusion to rest!
