I was speaking with a client the other day about social media marketing and the benefits of getting involved. The client is new to the whole “social media thing” and had a great point of view. From his perspective, lots of companies either use social networking sites (like Facebook and Twitter) for shameless self promotion. Or, they only post nonsense, like what they had for dinner or how much they are enjoying the weather.

Seeing that he was very skeptical of the benefits, the topic of social media do’s and don’ts quickly arose. From this conversation, and other similar conversations I’ve had about social media, I compiled a list of common social media pet peeves. Here are the top 5 Social Media Pet Peeves that will surely turn off potential Twitter followers or Facebook fans.

1. “Used Car Salesman” Syndrome
   Social networks are for building communities and adding value. Those that use social media to constantly push their own products or services are not only NOT adding value, but they may be turning off potential prospects.  No one likes to be sold to. If you’re not using social media to offer value to your community, then you’re doing yourself and your company a disservice.
2. The Ghost Town
   Have you ever been asked to become a fan of a Facebook page or follow someone on Twitter, just to land on an empty page or profile? Before asking for fans or followers, be sure to have content that your readers will want to read.
3. Using Facebook Personal Profile for Business (enter your own snazzy title here)
   There’s nothing worse than logging into Facebook and be greeted by sales pitch after sales pitch. Facebook personal profiles are just that – personal. Facebook has three sections…. personal profiles, business fan pages and groups. It’s not rocket science people! Want to promote your business, then create a fan page and stop cluttering your family and friend’s walls with sales pitches. Besides, using your personal profile to self promote is a violation of Facebook’s terms and your account may get suspended for this activity.
4. The Stalled Effort
   To be successful at using social media for business, you must commit. If you’re guilty of starting, stopping, then starting again….. make up your mind already. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it.
5. Eat Spam!
   We all hate spammers. Don’t know if you’re spamming? Well, if you send a direct message to someone on Twitter including a sales pitch a link to your website – you’re spamming. If you send a friend request to a fan of your business page so you can get their contact info – you’re spamming. If you @ reply a follower on Twitter with your own sales pitch and link – you’re spamming.

So there you have it – the top 5 social media pet peeves. Have more pet peeves? Feel free to list them in a comment.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Social Media Workshop

Facebook Marketing 201 – How to Build a Fan Base and Get Noticed

When: Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Where: 50 Market St., Portsmouth, NH (Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce)
Cost: $65/pp if signed-up before May 8th. After May 8th – $75/pp
Description: This workshop is great for those that have a Facebook Fan page for their business, but need the know-how to take it to the next level.

Attend This Event