Common Facebook Mistakes Local Business Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Ever felt like your Facebook is just… collecting digital dust? Or maybe it’s more like a Bermuda Triangle for your leads? Trust me, you’re not alone. Many small business owners in South Texas, especially here in McAllen, find themselves scratching their heads, wondering where all the traction went. Many think just having a Facebook page is enough, but really, it’s only the tip of the iceberg.
Let’s face it: if someone searches for your business and doesn’t find a solid presence on Facebook, they might think, “¿Y esto qué? No parecen ser legítimos.” In today’s digital world, you can’t afford to look outdated or irrelevant. So, once you’ve got that Facebook page up and running, how do you navigate the choppy waters of online engagement effectively? Let’s dive in.
13 Facebook Mistakes to Watch Out For
1. Don’t Set Up a Profile Instead of a Page
This one might seem super basic, but it surprises many. Facebook profiles are for people. Your business? It deserves a page. Keep things professional and legible; it’s like choosing between wearing a t-shirt or a business suit to a client meeting.
2. Avoid Multiple Personal Accounts
You might think having separate accounts can help keep your personal and business life apart, but it’s a no-go. Facebook strictly prohibits multiple personal accounts. Naipe! Instead, utilize privacy settings to manage who sees what. For business, trust a single page. More pages equal more confusion. Focus on what you can handle.
3. Don’t Neglect Engagement
Ignoring comments and messages on your posts is like leaving a cliente standing at the counter while you check your phone. Neglect can hurt your relationship with your audience. Be proactive—set aside some time daily to interact and create a community vibe. JetBlue gets it; they say, “We’re all about the people.” Facebook is no different!
4. Don’t Dismiss Negative Feedback
So someone complained? Ni modo! Instead of sweeping it under the rug, respond respectfully. Customers want to know their voices matter. Engaging with negativity can turn a potential loss into a loyal cliente.
5. Don’t Leave Metadata Untouched
When you share links, don’t just hit “publish.” Add a personal touch with relevant captions or quotes. You wouldn’t serve a dish without proper seasoning, would you? Enhance the visual appeal and clarity for a better click-through rate.
6. Don’t Just Post Photos
Even though fotos are essential, remember that video is king! As of 2020, video content makes up 17% of all posts on Facebook. Mix it up with engaging content like Q&As, polls, and behind-the-scenes shots to keep it fresh.
7. Watch Your Post Length
Shorter posts often score higher engagement. But don’t guess—test different lengths to find what resonates with your audience. Remember, your fans are busy; respect their time with concise, impactful content.
8. Mind Your Visuals
No one wants to see pixelated images or crowded graphics. Use the right dimensions for posts to keep everything looking professional. A clean image speaks volumes about your brand reputation.
9. Steer Clear of Clickbait
Posting misleading headlines is a one-way ticket to disappointment. Create headlines that deliver real value. Clearly outline what your audience can expect to gain when they click through, and they’ll stick around longer.
10. Engage Outside of Business Hours
A savvy business knows that the best time to post often occurs while most people are off the clock. The sweet spot is typically during the early afternoon midweek. Don’t hold back—get those posts scheduled for when your audience is most active!
11. Find a Balance in Posting Frequency
Consistency is key! But don’t overwhelm your audience with too many updates. It’s about quality over quantity; focus on posting high-value content that genuinely connects with your community.
12. Experiment With Ads and Targeting
With organic reach on Facebook declining, many businesses benefit from targeted ads. Shadow the competition, and look at their successful strategies. Experiment! Check out this informative guide from HubSpot on making Facebook ads work for you.
13. Double-Check Your Account
Ever posted something sensitive from the wrong account? Oops! Keep a mental note of which account you’re posting from, especially if you manage a personal and business profile. It could save you from many future headaches!
Facebook can be a great marketing tool, but only if you use it wisely. A professional, custom-built website that enhances your marketing efforts is crucial—not just for local visibility, but for establishing credibility. At Ericks Web Design, we know the value of a well-structured online presence. Based right here in the Valley, we understand the unique needs of our local businesses and are dedicated to helping you shine.
Ready to upgrade your online game? Let’s talk! Or schedule a call and let’s build something that actually works for you. Don’t let your digital presence stagnate—hit us up today, and let’s craft a strategy that gets those leads rolling in!
Source:
https://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/9134/top-5-things-not-to-do-on-facebook.aspx
