There are a few common mistakes that people make with their social media accounts. Here’s what you need to know.
Contests
Facebook and Instagram have specific rules and guidelines you have to follow when you run contests.
You can read the entire list of rules here.
One of the common mistakes we see is that brands do contests that require contestants to share on their timelines or tag their friends. Neither of these is permitted as requirements to enter a contest.
Sharing & Cross Promoting
Another common mistake we see often is when people share their content into a Facebook group. Although this feature is a successful way to get more views on your content, it should not be overused. Over time, people will ignore your content and the algorithm won’t reward you.
Another thing you should be cautious of is posting the same content in multiple groups. Cross-posting can look spammy. It would be better to spread your content out over the course of a few days (or weeks). Another option is to reword the content so you’re not posting the same thing twice.
Bots and Unnecessary Automation
Although it seems like a simple and easy way to get engagement and grow your account, bots are NOT the way to go. Here’s why.
AWKWARD SITUATIONS AND INSENSITIVE COMMENTS.
Bots are…. Exactly that. Bots. So, they can’t consider the context or the captions in the photo. They only think about adding a comment based on a hashtag. This, of course, opens a whole box full of issues. Some worse than others…
A while back I posted a screenshot on Instagram. A few minutes later, up came a comment that said something online the lines of “I love this photo – maybe it’s the angle you took the photo.”
How do you even respond to that? I just laughed and wrote off the account. Clearly, it wasn’t a real person.
THERE’S NO REAL ENGAGEMENT.
Instagram bots cannot replace human interaction. Most people can see clear as day that the comments aren’t from a real person – so it’s not surprising that the engagement to those comments is low.
YOUR INSTAGRAM FEED WILL BE A MESS.
When you follow thousands on accounts – you will have an incredibly random feed. As you add more random followers to your network, expect posts from relevant people to get buried. If you don’t care about the feed, then this might not be a big deal but if you like using Instagram and connecting with your network, then there will be real consequences.
THEY VIOLATE INSTAGRAM’S TERMS OF USE!
I feel like this should be the #1 reason for NOT using Instagram bots… Here’s what you need to know.
If an Instagram bot accesses Instagram’s API without the platform’s permission. This violates Instagram’s Terms of Use, specifically:
- You must not access Instagram’s private API by means other than those permitted by Instagram.
- Don’t store or cache Instagram login credentials.
- Don’t use the Instagram API to display User Content, import or backup content, or manage Instagram relationships, without our prior permission.
- Ensure your comments are tailored to each person. Don’t post unauthorized commercial communication or spam on Instagram.
- Don’t enable a business to take more than one action on Instagram at a time.
- Don’t use an unreasonable amount of bandwidth or impact the stability of Instagram.com servers or the behavior of other apps using the Instagram APIs.
Anyone who uses a bot that violates Instagram’s API can get banned. Don’t be banned. Be smart.
Instead of using a bot, HIRE A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT OR SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER.
Sure – this will be a bit more expensive than a bot. But Virtual Assistants (VA’s) will leave authentic comments, engage with followers, and help your brand connect with REAL people.
They’re also less likely to leave awkward or inappropriate comments so you don’t have to worry about ruining your reputation.
Pitching In Comments
Have you ever had someone comment on your post pitching their product or service when you weren’t asking for it? It comes across spammy and annoying. Yet the number of times you read comments saying “Check out my latest photo on my account, @username” is outstanding.
Instead of pitching in comments, try adding to the conversation that’s already happening! People will see your comment and the value you’re putting out there and will be more likely to check out your profile.
Posts That Aren’t Resonating.
If something isn’t working, don’t keep doing it. Try something different. Test out different types of content – if links aren’t catching the attention and engagement of your audience, try posting more photos or videos!
If the content topics aren’t connecting, try something different. If people aren’t engaging with fill in the blank posts, try open-ended questions.
