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Social media mistakes you’re probably making …and how to fix them
Social media mistakes you’re probably making …and how to fix them
It happens to the best of us.
Social media is tricky. Between constantly changing algorithms, shifting trends, and the pressure to be ‘on’ all the time, it’s easy to make a few missteps along the way. Maybe you’re stuck in a posting rut. Maybe you’re ghosting your followers without realizing it. Maybe your content calendar is less of a ‘calendar’ and more of a last-minute group chat decision. Most of them are easy to fix. Seriously. With just a few quick tweaks, you can clean up your feed, connect more meaningfully with your audience, and actually start seeing results.
So, let’s walk through five social media missteps businesses make—and how to fix them with smart, doable tweaks that actually work.
1. You’re posting without a plan
Why it matters: Inconsistent messaging makes it hard for followers to connect with your brand or understand what you’re about. Plus, without clear goals, you can’t measure success (or even define it). Are you aiming for engagement? Leads? Website clicks? Brand awareness? If you’re not sure, your audience won’t be either.
How to fix it: Give your content some structure. Don’t post just to post. Post with purpose. Every piece of content should either educate, entertain, or encourage your audience to take some kind of action—even if it’s just smiling and hitting that “save for later” button.
It can help to build a simple schedule. It doesn’t need to be fancy—a Google Sheet will do. Plan posts in advance, jot down ideas when they hit, and use scheduling tools to keep everything consistent.
2. You’re not interacting with your audience
The mistake: You shouldn’t treat your social media like a megaphone rather than a two-way conversation. Social media is, shockingly, supposed to be social. If you’re not engaging with your audience, you’re missing the point—and the opportunity. Comments, likes, and shares are all little digital high-fives. Ignoring them hurts your engagement and can prevent your audience from engaging in the future.
How to fix it: Respond to comments. Like things. Answer DMs. Talk to your followers. Joke with them. Thank them. They’re literally the reason you’re here.
3. You’re hopping on every trend
The problem: Trends can be fun, sure—but they’re not strategy. Jumping on every viral wave can dilute your brand voice and confuse your audience. Also, trends have the lifespan of a fruit fly. By the time you’ve filmed, edited, and gotten approval on your take, the internet has already moved on. Worst case scenario? You spend time and effort on a trend that falls flat—or worse, comes off as cringe.
The fix: Be trend-aware, not trend-obsessed. Before hopping on a trend, check if it aligns with your brand personality, voice, and goals. Trends can boost visibility when used strategically. But don’t let them steer the ship. And if you do decide to hop on a trend, you don’t have to copy it exactly. Add your own context, product relevance or industry humor. Use the trend to strengthen your brand voice.
4. You’re on the wrong platforms
The problem and why it matters: Not every social platform fits every brand. There are multiple platforms in the social media universe, and they continue to multiply, but each platform has its own, unique demographic. If you’re targeting corporate professionals, TikTok may not be your best bet, or your only bet. If you’re a beauty brand, LinkedIn is probably not where you want to put your energy. Go where your people are, speak their language, and post with purpose.
What to do: Pick one or two platforms and go deep. It’s better to be great on two platforms than mediocre on six. Focus on where you can build real community and deliver consistent value. If you’ve built strong engagement and consistent results on your core platforms, then consider branching out. Expanding to new platforms can help you reach new audiences or experiment with different content styles—as long as you’re not sacrificing quality where it matters most.
5. You’re letting AI run the show
The problem: AI tools are everywhere—and, yes, they make life and marketing easier. They can write captions, generate hashtags, repurpose content, and even create visuals. But here’s the catch: if you’re leaning on AI for everything—your tone, your ideas, your content—chances are you’re slowly stepping away from your brand voice and positioning. AI is helpful, but it doesn’t know your brand story and your audience the way you do. It doesn’t get nuance, sarcasm, or cultural context.
The fix: Use AI as a tool, not a replacement. It can help with drafts, outlines, or longer form content. Use it to save time, then edit yourself to fit your company and brand voice. It is also helpful for brainstorming. If you’re stuck, let AI toss ideas into the room—then pick what fits. You’re still driving the creative strategy. And don’t forget to double check accuracy. AI is not Google, and its best to double check anything it states as facts.
The bottom line:
The Social media doesn’t have to be perfect—just intentional.
Everyone makes mistakes. The key is to recognize what’s not working, adjust quickly, and have fun with it. Fixing even just one or two of these common mistakes can boost your engagement, build better relationships with your audience, and make your social media actually work for your business. Social media is a powerful tool when you treat it less like a chore and more like an opportunity to connect with loyal followers or new customers who’ve just discovered you.
Now go forth and post with purpose. If you need an experienced partner to help you create a social media strategy, generate content that aligns with your brand’s positioning, or provide a social media audit of your current approach, you can find us right here.