5 Mistakes Small Businesses Make on Social Media (and How to Avoid Them)

woman sat in car at the wheel with a brown bag against it, using it to balance her phone to look at social media

Social media is a powerhouse for small businesses. It can help you connect with customers, build your brand, and even boost sales. But let’s face it - it’s not as easy as it looks. While you’re juggling a million other tasks, it’s easy to slip up on social media.

As someone who created over 1,200 social media graphics and reels last year (and wrote over 1,000 captions - phew!), I’ve seen it all. Here are the top five mistakes small businesses make on social media and how to steer clear of them.

1. Posting To Social Media Without a Plan

We’ve all done it - scrambling for a post idea five minutes before it’s supposed to go live. But without a plan, your social media can feel disjointed and inconsistent.

The Fix:

Create a content calendar. Map out what you’ll post and when, aligning your content with your business goals. Whether it’s promoting a sale, sharing a customer testimonial, or hopping on a trending topic, having a plan saves time and makes your posts more effective.

And hey, if planning isn’t your thing, that’s where I come in! I can help you develop a strategy and keep your feed looking fab.

2. Being “Salesy” All the Time

Yes, social media is a fantastic sales tool, but constantly pushing your products or services can turn people off. Nobody wants to feel like they’re scrolling through an ad catalogue.

The Fix:

Strike a balance between selling and connecting. Share behind-the-scenes content, customer success stories, or industry tips. The key is to provide value and build relationships. Remember: people buy from businesses they trust and like!

3. Ignoring Engagement

You’ve posted your content - great! But if you’re not responding to comments or DMs, you’re missing out on building connections. Social media is, well, social for a reason.

The Fix:

Set aside time each day to interact with your audience. Reply to comments, answer questions, and show appreciation for your followers. Engagement builds loyalty and makes your audience feel valued.

If you’re too busy to keep up, I can step in to manage your interactions and keep your brand active and approachable.

4. Not Using Visuals Effectively

Social media is all about the visuals, yet so many small businesses rely on blurry photos or text-heavy graphics. A poorly designed post can get lost in the scroll.

The Fix:

Invest in quality visuals. Use high-resolution images, eye-catching graphics, and branded elements to stand out. Last year, I created over 1,200 graphics and reels for my clients, so trust me - I know the power of good visuals.

Not sure where to start? Let me help you design graphics that scream “professional” and stop the scroll.

5. Posting and Ghosting

If you’re only posting sporadically or dropping content and disappearing, your audience won’t know when to expect new updates. Inconsistent posting can make you forgettable.

The Fix:

Consistency is key. Whether you post three times a week or daily, stick to a schedule that works for you. And don’t feel pressured to do it all - quality beats quantity every time.

If keeping up feels impossible, I can take the reins. With tailored content and a consistent posting schedule, we’ll keep your business front and centre.

Ready to Avoid These Mistakes?

Social media can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll see better results - and if you need help, you don’t have to do it alone.

Whether it’s creating scroll-stopping graphics, writing captions that convert, or managing your accounts, I’m here to make social media stress-free. Let’s chat and get your business shining online!

Drop me a message, and let’s get started on creating a social media strategy that works for you.