Social media is a powerful tool for businesses and individuals alike. When used correctly, it can enhance your brand, increase engagement, and generate revenue. However, social media can also be a double-edged sword—one wrong move, and your brand reputation could suffer irreparable damage.
For instance, in 2018, Snapchat released an ad game called “Would You Rather?” that asked users if they would rather “Slap Rihanna” or “Punch Chris Brown.” This insensitive reference to domestic violence led to global outrage, resulting in an $800 million loss for Snapchat.
To avoid similar blunders, here are 25 things you should never do on social media.
1. Not Being Up-to-Date with Current Trends
Social media trends change rapidly, and failing to keep up can lead to embarrassing mistakes. In 2016, Wendy’s posted a meme of Pepe the Frog dressed as their mascot. They were unaware that Pepe had recently been associated with racist and extremist ideologies.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Before posting anything, research trending topics to ensure they align with your brand values.
2. Posting Insensitive Content
Humor can be a great way to engage an audience, but an insensitive joke can backfire. For example, the U.S. Air Force once posted a joke about the viral “Yanny vs. Laurel” debate, comparing it to the sound of an airstrike, which was widely condemned.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Always consider the impact of your content on diverse audiences.
3. Confusing Your Business Account with Your Personal Account
Mixing up personal and business accounts can result in unprofessional posts. Imagine a CEO accidentally posting party pictures on their company’s LinkedIn account—it can harm credibility.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Use separate devices or tools like Hootsuite to manage accounts.
4. Getting Angry When You Receive Negative Comments
Negative feedback is inevitable. Instead of lashing out, brands should handle criticism gracefully. Toblerone, for example, received complaints about their product size reduction but responded with transparency, maintaining customer trust.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Respond professionally, acknowledge concerns, and offer solutions.
5. Skipping the Editing Process
Typos and grammatical errors can make a brand look unprofessional. A poorly written post can damage credibility.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Use tools like Grammarly and have a second pair of eyes review posts before publishing.
6. Failing to Address Mistakes
Even the best brands make mistakes. When they do, addressing them transparently is key. The Red Cross once mistakenly tweeted about drinking beer but responded humorously, turning the situation around.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Own up to errors, apologize if necessary, and take corrective action.
7. Posting Only When Inspiration Strikes
Inconsistent posting reduces engagement and visibility. Social media algorithms prioritize active accounts.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Use scheduling tools like Buffer to maintain consistency.
8. Forgetting Your Mission to Enrich Your Followers’ Lives
Social media should be about adding value, not just selling. Great Escape Publishing, for instance, shares valuable travel and photography tips, keeping their audience engaged.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Focus on educational, inspiring, and informative content.
9. Sounding Too Salesy
Constantly pushing sales can annoy followers. Users want to connect with brands, not be bombarded with ads.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Follow the 80/20 rule—80% valuable content, 20% promotional content.
10. Ignoring Comments on Your Posts
Engagement builds community. Ignoring comments makes followers feel unimportant.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Reply to comments promptly and thoughtfully.
11. Limiting Yourself to One Social Media Platform
Focusing on only one platform limits reach. Different audiences prefer different platforms.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Identify where your audience is most active and expand accordingly.
12. Being Active on All Social Networks
Spreading too thin reduces quality. It’s better to focus on key platforms.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Select platforms that align with your audience and industry.
13. Buying Followers
Fake followers don’t engage, making your brand look inauthentic.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Focus on organic growth through quality content and interaction.
14. Leaving Out Photos & Videos
Visual content increases engagement. A well-placed image can be more effective than text alone.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Use high-quality images and videos to complement posts.
15. Forgetting Your Target Audience
Posting irrelevant content alienates followers. If your brand targets professionals, posting celebrity gossip isn’t ideal.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Create content tailored to your audience’s interests and needs.
16. Being Satisfied with the Generic
Generic posts don’t stand out. Unique content grabs attention.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Share personal stories, customer testimonials, or behind-the-scenes insights.
17. Not Making Use of Hashtags
Hashtags improve discoverability. Without them, your content may not reach a wider audience.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Use relevant, trending, and branded hashtags.
18. Putting Up an Impersonal Front
People connect with people, not brands.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Show personality and interact authentically.
19. Leaving Out Healthy Competition
Contests boost engagement and brand awareness.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Run giveaways and competitions to encourage participation.
20. Doing Everything Yourself
Managing social media alone can lead to burnout.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Hire a social media manager or use automation tools.
21. Not Using Influencers
Influencers have established trust with their audience. Brands can leverage their credibility.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Partner with influencers relevant to your niche.
22. Being Too Casual
Too much slang or acronyms can hurt professionalism.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Keep a balance between friendly and professional.
23. Not Getting Help from Ads
Organic reach alone isn’t enough. Social media ads can amplify reach.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Invest in targeted social media advertising.
24. Always Posting Your Own Content
Sharing only your content makes your brand look self-absorbed.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Share industry news, customer stories, and relevant third-party content.
25. Forgetting to Listen
Brands that don’t listen miss out on valuable insights.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Use tools like Google Alerts and Hootsuite to monitor brand mentions.
FAQs
How often should I post on social media?
It depends on the platform, but consistency is key. Aim for at least 3-5 posts per week on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and daily on Twitter.
What should I do if I make a social media mistake?
Acknowledge the mistake, apologize if necessary, and take corrective action quickly.
How can I increase engagement on social media?
Engage with your audience through comments, stories, polls, and interactive content.
Is it necessary to use paid ads?
While organic reach is valuable, paid ads can significantly enhance visibility and targeting.
How do I handle negative comments?
Respond professionally, address concerns, and avoid getting defensive.
Conclusion
Social media success isn’t just about what you do—it’s also about what you avoid. By steering clear of these 25 blunders, you can build a strong, engaged audience and elevate your brand’s presence.
Key Takeaways:
- Be mindful of trends and avoid controversial topics.
- Engage with your audience and provide valuable content.
- Balance professionalism with personality.
- Use influencers, hashtags, and ads strategically.
- Always listen and adapt to feedback.
By following these guidelines, you’ll not only avoid social media disasters but also set your brand up for long-term success!
An avid blogger, dedicated to boosting brand presence, optimizing SEO, and delivering results in digital marketing. With a keen eye for trends, he’s committed to driving engagement and ROI in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Let’s connect and explore digital possibilities together.
