5 Social Media Mistakes Small Businesses Make (And How to Fix Them)
Social Media: A Necessary Tool for Businesses and Nonprofits
Some people and companies view social media as a necessary evil. And let’s be honest, we’ve all had those moments. Some days, we’re laughing uncontrollably at the content we see, while other days, we’re ready to hurl our phones across the room. But for businesses and nonprofits, social media is non-negotiable.
If you want to connect with your audience, you have to meet them where they are—and where they are is on their phones, scrolling through their screens.
Here are five common social media mistakes that small businesses and nonprofits make—and how to fix them.
1. Not Posting Consistently
By now, you’ve likely heard of social media algorithms. Each platform uses its own algorithm to decide how content gets pushed out to users. Consistency is the key to staying visible in the algorithm’s eyes. When you post regularly, the algorithm recognizes your activity and rewards you by sharing your content more frequently with your followers and beyond.
On the flip side, posting sporadically—whether it’s a flood of posts followed by radio silence—signals to the algorithm that your content isn’t worth prioritizing. To stay relevant and maintain engagement, make consistent posting a priority.
Fix: Create a content calendar and stick to it. Plan posts in advance to ensure your content keeps flowing.
2. Not Planning a Social Media Strategy
Social media might seem simple, but flying by the seat of your pants can lead to missed opportunities. How often have you thought of a great post idea for a holiday or event, only to realize you missed the day entirely? Or maybe you launched a new product but didn’t allow enough time to build excitement.
I’ve seen clients scramble to request last-minute posts for events happening the next day. While this might reach a few people, most followers won’t have enough notice to act on it.
Fix: Develop a clear social media strategy that includes planning posts well in advance. Use scheduling tools to ensure your content goes live at the right time.
3. Not Engaging with Your Followers
One of social media’s greatest strengths is its ability to connect you directly with your audience. While AI tools are becoming more popular, people still crave genuine human interaction. If someone comments on your posts, tags your business, or sends a message, don’t let it go unanswered.
Every interaction is an opportunity to build loyalty and turn casual followers into dedicated customers.
Fix: Set aside time each day to respond to comments, messages, and tags. Show your followers you value their engagement.
4. Trying to Be on Every Platform
You don’t need to be everywhere at once. Not every platform will suit your business, and that’s okay. Focus on the platforms that align with your goals and where your audience is most active. Spreading yourself too thin can dilute your message and waste valuable time.
Fix: Analyze your performance metrics to determine which platforms bring the best results. Prioritize those platforms and let go of the rest.
5. Not Asking for Help
Social media might seem easy on the surface, but it’s a task that often gets pushed down the priority list. Consistency is critical for success, but it’s hard to achieve when you’re juggling other responsibilities. That’s where outsourcing can be a game-changer.
Hiring a social media manager can save you time and ensure your content stays on track. After all, your customers are on social media—you don’t want to miss out on connecting with them.
Fix: Consider hiring a social media professional (cough, cough ACE Social) to handle the strategy, content creation, and posting for you. It’s an investment that can pay off in customer engagement and growth.
Final Thoughts
Social media isn’t just a “necessary evil”—it’s a powerful tool for building relationships, spreading awareness, and driving growth. By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing smart strategies, your business or nonprofit can thrive in the digital space.