Even though social media marketing is a popular business strategy, myths about why and how to use it still persist. Let’s go over seven of the most popular social media marketing myths and what the actual truths are.
#1 My Customers Aren’t on Social Media
If you think social media is just full of Gen Z and Millennials, think again. According to Backlinko, in 2021, over 4.48 billion people worldwide were active on social media. That’s up more than double from 2.07 billion in 2015.
The Baby Boomer generation is casually browsing social media about as much as everyone else. They tend to prefer more established platforms, especially Facebook, as the number of Boomers on the platform nearly doubled between 2012 to 2019.
Truthfully, we could share facts all day, but the reality is this: people are on social media. And odds are, at least one social media platform has an audience that will align with your brand.
#2 You Need to be Active on All Social Media Platforms
Not all social media platforms will be suited to your business and marketing efforts. If you’re a plumber, you don’t need to be on Pinterest. You should devote your time and resources to the platform that aligns the most with your audience and marketing strategy. After all, your time and money are precious, so you don’t want to waste them.
If you’re just starting out, research social media platforms to see which one will benefit you the most. Then, focus your efforts on that one platform. By focusing on one, you’ll generate the most return for your efforts and won’t be spread thin.
#3 The More Followers I Have, The More Successful I’ll be
It can be easy to get caught up in the idea that followers = more success. While the size of your account can provide a level of social proof, the level of engagement from your followers matters more.
Think of it like this. You can have a social media page where you have a thousand followers, but only receive ten leads or conversions from those followers. Or, you can have a hundred followers, but 40 leads or conversions from those followers. It’s better to have quality engagement that leads to more growth for your business than lots of followers that are “ghosts” and aren’t taking action.
#4 Social Media is Free
Making a social media profile on most platforms is free, that part is true. But running a social media presence requires an investment of resources. The organic reach of most Facebook posts is less than three percent these days. To have the growth and impact you want, you need to pay for it.
It sounds intimidating but social media is one of the most affordable ways to advertise. Even if it’s a small investment, you will see your business grow.
#5 Social Media can Replace Your Website
Social media is a great tool to use for your business, but you can’t use it in place of your website.
Your website is your home on the internet. You usually use your online marketing efforts to head to your “home.” If you don’t have a website, your marketing has nowhere to send people. With a website and social media presence, you can use them as a team to draw in visitors and convert them into engaged customers.
Not to mention if say, Facebook were to go down tomorrow, how would people know what you’re up to or what you’re selling? Or even where to find you online? Your website is your anchor and home base for your customers, so it’s best not to replace it with social media.
#6 Social Media is a Stand-Alone Tool
As we said, social media is a great tool to use for your business. That doesn’t mean it should be the only tool you use. Social media shouldn’t exist in a digital vacuum. It should be part of an integrated marketing strategy. One that also utilizes content marketing and SEO. When you use all these efforts together, you’ll have a well-rounded digital marketing strategy that will give you better results.
#7 Anyone Can Handle Social Media
Okay, technically anyone can handle social media, but that doesn’t mean just anyone should. Creating a successful social media marketing campaign requires strategy from a knowledgeable team, not an intern.
Even if that intern is young and knows how to post, tweet, and snap, they might not know how to fix your brand perception problems. Or how to increase your lead generation. Or inspire your customers to engage in a relationship with you. It may seem simple, but social media is a lot more complicated than you may realize. Of course, if you want to hire an intern, go for it! Just don’t expect that person to lead a strategic approach to social media marketing.
Let’s Get Started on Your Social Media Marketing Plan
Whether you need help with social media ads marketing or Facebook page management, BPD has got your back. We are a Meta Blueprint Certified company, so our digital marketing specialists are knowledgeable about how best to use the Facebook platform to get you the most out of conversions.
We have been assisting small businesses with growth since 2008 and would love to help you out! We’re located in Cave Creek, Arizona, and Montrose, Colorado, but serve nationwide.
