Can't post, wont post.......what's stopping you?

Many individuals and companies are attracted to the idea of using social media to promote their business, but seem unable to take that final step.

Here we look at just some of the reasons why and how to overcome them.

Not sure what to say.....

This is a barrier we regularly hear, often from individuals who are articulate, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their business. In a real time networking event they thrive, yet when presented with the idea of posting a tweet, a post or commenting in a LinkedIn group, they suddenly seem struck down by a severe case of writers block.

Forget it's a virtual environment and sometimes the immediacy that is part of a face to face meeting may be missing, but remember those reading your posts and comments, are no different to the people you might meet and chat to when networking.

Decide on a strategy regarding what and how often you are looking to post; and consider the tone your social media feeds should take. Share your expertise, be personable and interact with other users of the platforms.

No time to post.....

 Social media does have the power to make the seconds, minutes and on occasion even hours just slip away. However, with careful planning, a content strategy and the use of some schedule software such as Hootsuite or Buffer to mention just two, you can plan and implement an effective social media campaign using your own original content without submitting the majority of your posts in real time.

If these are intermingled with the occasional real time post or response it can help to give a rounded social media presence without round the clock posting! 

Tried it, but got nothing from it......

If this is you, ask yourself what did you want to achieve? How did you measure it? Did you identify the correct social media platform for your target market? Did you share relevant and consistent content? Did you interact with your followers? Did you also post at the most effective time for that platform and the users on it? Did you use it to direct people back to your website?

If you answer no to any of the above questions, it may be worth revisiting social media as a tool to raise awareness of your brand as this is the main ROI.

How free is free.......

As the saying goes "nothing in life is free" and social media is no different. There is a lot of potential for business promotion, potential client interaction and sharing of expertise that will cost nothing more than your time. But before heading off and starting posting away, remember that your time also has a financial value attached to it.

So before becoming a Twitter guru or LinkedIn genie; research which platform is popular with your target audience, otherwise all your social media efforts could be pointing in the wrong direction.