MYTHS ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media are interactive technologies that enable the production and exchange of knowledge, concepts, passions, and other kinds of expression via online groups and networks. Because there are so many standalone and integrated social media platforms accessible right now, it might be difficult to define what social media is, but there are several universal characteristics.


Over the years, social media has undergone a significant transformation. Over time, it has evolved into a crucial area for businesses to sell their goods and services. Initially, it served as a platform primarily for friends and family members to connect. Several widespread myths and misunderstandings about social media as a marketing tool persist even though the practice of social media marketing for businesses has developed and matured. The main myths about social media will be debunked in today's blog post. Several widespread myths and misunderstandings about social media as a marketing tool persist even though the practice of social media marketing for businesses has developed and matured.









MYTH: It looks tacky to seem relatable as a brand on social media.


You should always keep your target audience in mind when publishing content on social media, but that doesn't mean you can't also share content that demonstrates your brand's personality. Or, to be honest, even the character of your community manager. Don't be shy about using your unique sense of humor, images of the employees, and links to amusing news articles, even if they have nothing to do with your sector. Show that there are real people behind your organization.


MYTH: Social media monitoring takes forever.

One method of social media monitoring is to fix your eyes on the screen of your computer, open five tabs for each social network, sip three espressos, switch between tabs, and hit refresh like a madman.


Alternative social media monitoring plan: Employ software that notifies you when key terms are referenced in social media posts; check your accounts quickly every hour or so to see whether you need to reply to anyone, follow them back, or do anything else. You spend, on average, maybe 30 minutes a day on the second one. Nothing major. Everyone is breathing. Everything will work out OK




.


MYTH: Only young people use social media.

Do you believe that Gen Z and millennials are the only generations using social media? Reconsider your position. Think about this At the end of 2020, 40% of internet users aged 46 to 55 were on LinkedIn; by the end of 2021, 55% of Facebook members were over 35; And in 2020, more than 70% of Americans aged 45 to 64 who used the internet watched videos on YouTube. Your target audience (of any age!) likely uses social media; the trick is determining which platform they enjoy using the most.



MYTH: Social media is completely free marketing.

Although there is no cost to join, resources must still be invested. Even if you are posting for free, you will likely need to pay someone to manage your channels and develop a strategy. You can decide to increase time and financial commitments as your social media approach becomes more successful. Fortunately, using social media to increase audiences, brand exposure, and eventually leads, is still one of the most economical strategies. This justifies the expense for you.


MYTH: Video Marketing Is A Trend


Over the past few years, video marketing has become a more popular content strategy. The proliferation of mobile gadgets and quick mobile internet has sparked this. These two elements make it possible to broadcast videos wherever you are. The most popular feature on Instagram and Facebook right now is Stories. Two-thirds of millennial social media users reported interacting with a brand as a result of watching a video shared on social media. More than seventy-five percent of all businesses that use video marketing report success.


MYTH: You Must Be On Every Social Media Platform


The platforms that best suit your target market and marketing strategies should be the only ones to which you dedicate time and resources. Research social networks if you're just getting started. If your ideal customers aren't utilizing social media, using it will be a waste of your time and probably even money. Your capacity to engage with and establish relationships with your potential clientele is social media's greatest strength. Why would you want to spend time and effort on a platform if your community is hardly or not present there? The ability to develop relationships and get outcomes on any one platform can be hampered by spreading yourself too thin over too many platforms. To be successful on social media, one must invest effort in providing quality material and conversing with others.


MYTH: The focus should be on increasing your followers

Increasing the number of followers is the first aim of every social media marketing strategy. Yet social media marketing involves a lot more than just gaining followers. The quality of followers must also be taken into consideration by brand managers. Using extreme measures to simply build your following won't help you with sales. You may gain extensive insights into audience demographics and the following growth with tools like Unbox Social. Examine the audience that is drawn to your material to determine if you are aiming your marketing efforts toward the appropriate demographic.


MYTH:  Posting more on social media will help you get desired results

Achieving goals and objectives typically requires additional posting, according to brand marketing pros. Under the current situation, this might not be effective. The quantity of posts is no longer the only factor in social media marketing. How frequently you post is no longer a factor in user behavior. The audience will be drawn to your brand page if the material has any value. Instead of concentrating on the volume of postings, pay attention to the tone of the material and the brand message.


MYTH: social media is free.


Even while social media applications may be free, social media management is not. Time and energy are just two examples of expenditures. Whether it's Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or another social media platform, almost all of them have a pay-to-play mentality. They all share the desire to persuade you to part with money to expand your audience and attract new clients. Small businesses should handle social media like you would any other marketing channel, and set aside some of their budget for developing and putting into practice an efficient strategy!