Facebook was never designed to be an advertising platform.
It’s not there for you to sell your stuff and make money and grow your followers.
Although it can be a massive asset in your business, the golden rule is to remember that Facebook is a SOCIAL MEDIA platform.
It’s core design has always been to connect people with each other and things they care about.
The worst thing that can happen to you on Facebook is NOT having your account suspended – although that’s really frustrating and can be damaging to your marketing campaign.
Instead, the worst thing that can happen is if you’re ignored by the very people you want to reach and help.
But don’t worry, this only happens if you do the things that turn people off, and don’t have a clear message that connects with them.
Most of my training focuses on how you can create that awesome message and connect with your audience in an authentic way (for example, see my 42 Ideas to Shine on Social Media list), but I figured it was essential for you to know the 5 most common mistakes that will instantly turn your followers off, so you can avoid doing them!
Here are the 5 things you should NEVER do on Facebook:
- Focus on Selling
Facebook is a social platform, and your followers will only follow you when you offer value. Create 80% of your content as education, inspiration, behind the scenes and client/staff highlights. 20% can be offers, invitations and links to “learn more.” Get heaps of ideas (42 actually) for content that is not about selling, in this list.
- Use Hashtags
That’s right. Hashtags work wonders on Instagram, but not so much on Facebook. Having dozens of hashtags detracts from the user experience and lowers your engagement (and the Facebook algorithm will bury posts like this). 1 or 2 hashtags MAX, but none is best.
- Spam Groups
It is NOT ok to create a post on your page and then share it to 20+ groups around Facebook. Especially if it’s a sale post, and especially if the only time you hang out in that group is to post your offers. Better to choose 3-5 groups that you can be an active, contributing, valuable member of, and use the same 80/20 rule for your content.
- Ignore Comments
Comments come from real people, and we love to be acknowledged and heard. Reply to all comments, good and bad, not only because it’s courteous, but also because it will increase your engagement with your audience, AND Facebook will bump up your post because they can see you are committed to engaging with your audience.
- Argue with Haters
I know it’s a tough one, especially when they are just plain WRONG, but you MUST NOT EVER engage in a conversation with haters/trolls/negative reviewers. However, you must RESPOND. This is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate your business values and customer service, and many others will judge you based on how you respond. I could do a whole post on just this topic, but the highlights are:
A. You must respond.
B. Not straight away when you’re angry.
C. You don’t need to engage further if they come back with another comment.
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So those are the 5 instant follower-eliminators that you need to stop doing right now.
You can find more helpful advice about what TO DO in this article I wrote:
3 ways to grow your business on facebook
Remember, Facebook is a social media service, first and foremost (not an advertising platform).
Treat it like you’re having a conversion with friends (or least, other humans) and you’ll be winning.
Love,
Cat xx
