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Writer's pictureGrace Lane

Ever Posted: “I’ve been MIA, taking time away."

Listen, social media has evolved from a personal platform to a powerful business tool, but so many entrepreneurs have crossed those wires. A common mistake many entrepreneurs make is treating their business's social media presence as a personal platform, leading to confusion and mixed messages for customers.


Let’s explore what that looks like, but first... a story.


For years, we battled back & forth with whether social media was the right place for our business. If you've been with us for a while, you are all too familiar. We were getting a ton of DM's & decent engagement. However, what we found is that the customer who showed up on IG & TikTok wanted free advice or were coming to us for pump-up motivation. While we loved the connection, they were our LEAST profitable marketing platforms and the upkeep was so expensive and time-consuming. For not only myself, but the rest of the team, we also felt it was too invasive & inauthentic to our every day. So we stepped away, unwilling to completely cut the cord, & live in the half-in, half-out world for just more than two years. If we could do it again? We would have trusted our gut & closed the accounts that were inauthentic to us & attracted a customer that wasn't going where our business was headed. Our jump to mostly B2B marketing platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter, & YouTube) has already proven to be a better fit not only for us, but for our customer. So lesson number one, trust your gut!


The Disappearing Act

We all get exhausted from social media, some people call this burnout. However, one of the critical factors in growing a business on social media is maintaining consistency. This also applies to your products, services, and of course, your marketing efforts. When you take prolonged breaks from your business's social media or other marketing channels, it confuses your customers. They rely on you for information, updates, and engagement. Disappearing with an "I'll be back" explanation can erode their trust and loyalty. Treat it with the same level of professionalism and dedication as any other aspect of your business.


Strategic Planning

Growing a business requires a strategic approach. This means setting clear goals, creating a marketing plan, and executing it consistently. Your social media presence could be part of this strategy, not an afterthought. Develop a content calendar, plan your posts, and ensure that each piece of content aligns with your overall business objectives. This strategic approach helps in maintaining consistency and ensuring that your marketing efforts are cohesive and effective. If this doesn't feel like you or your customer, then don't do it! But the half-in, half-out game (one we know too well) isn't doing anything beneficial for your business... at it's best.


Professionalism and Dedication

Treat your business’s social media presence with the same professionalism and dedication as you would any other aspect of your business. This means (on the platforms that work for your business) provide regular updates, engaging content, and prompt responses to customer questions. Your social media accounts are an extension of your brand, and how you manage them reflects on your business. Professionalism and consistency build trust and credibility with your audience.


Clear Communication

Clear and consistent communication is crucial in maintaining a strong relationship with your customers. If you need to take a break or there’s a significant change in your business, communicate it clearly to your audience. Keeping them in the loop shows that you value their time and loyalty. It helps in managing their expectations and maintaining their trust.


Growing and marketing a business is not just about having a great product or service; it’s about consistency, understanding your audience, strategic planning, professionalism, and clear communication. Treat your business's social media presence as a vital business tool, not just a personal platform. By doing so, you can build stronger relationships with your customers, maintain their trust, and drive your business towards sustained growth and success.

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