Is Your Business Making These Five Mistakes on Social Media?

1. Not Adding Subtitles to Your Videos 

You know people are scrolling video content, but did you know most of that scrolling is happening with the sound off? Whether they are on public transport, late night scrolling in bed, around kids or other family members, there is a chance they are watching videos on mute. If your video doesn’t include subtitles, it could be skipped right over, no matter the content.

The good news is adding subtitles doesn’t have to be complicated. Many video editing apps have the options to add captions, while some social media platforms offer the option as well.

2. Selling Constantly Without Adding Value 

Most content creators run a rule that no more than 20% of content is sales. The majority of your content should be entertaining or educational. Treat your audience how you would want to be treated. If you get annoyed by the number of ads when you are watching tv, imagine how your audience feels if all you are doing is selling.

Instead of simply showing products and prices, here are some other things you might try to work in to your social media rotation:

  • Behind the scenes content: show how your product is made
  • Employee features: show the faces behind your company
  • Post a scenic photo of your location
  • Post an inspirational quote
  • Polls
  • Tips for how to use your product

3. Posting the Wrong Content on Somber Holidays 

There are certain Holidays and dates to be careful of, such as anniversaries of mass tragedies or Memorial Day. Depending on where you live and your audience, the list could include many different days. Avoid posting any sort of content that may not be seen as respectful on these days, or just avoid posting all together.

4. Ignoring Comments on Your Posts 

If a customer called your business, would you ignore the call? Ignoring social media comments is similar. Sure, you may get some comments that are irrelevant to your business, but you should always be monitoring to be a part of the conversation when it is relevant to do so.  


5. Confusing Personal Pages with Professional Pages 

As a business owner or entrepreneur, don’t make the mistake of confusing a personal page with a business page. When on your business page, act as your business. Don’t use your personal page to contact customers.


6. Using Photos or Videos of Your Customers without Permission 

There’s nothing like a good testimonial to really help build trust or promote a product or service. Testimonials and photos are both great tools for social media- when your company uses them correctly. Always get written permission before filming or photographing your customers, and be clear on how and where it will be used.

7. Not Updating Basic Business Information 

While you may be consistently posting on your page, also take into account if all of your business information is still up to date. This can include things like:

  • Your business hours
  • Your location if you have moved
  • Links to your website
  • Your bio

These can be easy to let slide year after year. It may be beneficial to designate a recurring time of year to update these.


8. Including Too Much Information in One Post 

Listen, sometimes you need to relay a lot of information, but most of the time you should just stick with a single idea per post.

9. Using Confusing Jargon 

Industry jargon or terms can be very familiar to you, but may be confusing for your clients.  Keep things clear and easy to understand for anyone that comes across your page.

Commercial Insurance for Your Company 

Obtaining commercial insurance coverage for your business is a step that should not be ignored. As careful as you plan to be, mistakes happen and can end up seriously affecting your bottom line. To see what policies you should consider for your company, you should call your local insurance agent to discuss the different aspects of your business. Some common coverage types are:

Professional Liability Insurance 

Professional Liability Insurance typically provides protection if a client believes you made a mistake in connection with providing professional services.

Commercial General Liability

Commercial General Liability can provide coverage if your company causes property damage or bodily injury to others.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Commercial Auto Insurance is similar to private auto insurance, but for the vehicles you use in connection with your business and usually with higher liability limits.

Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial Property Insurance can protect your equipment, inventory, and your furniture.

Workers’ Compensation

If you have employees, Workers’ Comp coverage may be required.

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.

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