How to be on Social Media as a Business if You Hate It
Can you be successful in business if you hate social media?
To put it bluntly, yes, absolutely you can. There are many alternitives to being on social media like Facebook, or Instagram. I’m a social media manager for other businesses and I really dislike being on all of these platforms.
I have them because my family is on there. Yes I do post about my personal wins, or things I want to share that I am happy about. I also obviously have them because that is my job. I run other businesses social media accounts for them. I create the content, I respond to comments, I do the research, and I keep track of the analytics for each business.
But I also plainly see the toxic side of social media. And that is exactly when I take a break.
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Let's face it – social media has become a non-negotiable part of modern marketing. But for some of us, the constant scrolling, hashtagging, and self-promotion feels like a never-ending chore. So, how can you make it work for your business without losing your sanity? Here are some tips to help you survive (and maybe even thrive) on social media, even if you hate it:
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
One of the most daunting aspects of social media is the pressure to constantly churn out content. But here's a secret: it's better to post less often and have high-quality content than to spam your followers with mediocre posts. Instead of stressing about posting every day, focus on creating content that truly resonates with your audience. Whether it's a thought-provoking blog post, a stunning photo, or a funny meme, make sure it's something your followers will actually want to engage with.
Find Your Platform
Not all social media platforms are created equal, and you don't have to be everywhere at once. Instead of spreading yourself thin trying to maintain a presence on every platform, focus on the ones that are most relevant to your business and where your target audience hangs out. If you're a visual brand, Instagram might be your best bet. If you're in the B2B space, LinkedIn could be more fruitful. By narrowing your focus, you can invest your time and energy where it really counts.
Pinterest is a visual Google. You get your business seen and you don’t have to deal with all of the networking!
If you don’t have a Google My Business Account yet, you need to get one. You can post updates on your account just like you would Facebook and Instagram. Again, you get your business seen without the networking.
Blogging
The more you write and post blog articles, the more you build trust with Google and the more you will show up on Google when your audience is seraching! Turn your comments on so your readers can still give opinions, but you won’t get sucked into the endless scroll like you would on social media!
Email Marketing
If you want to stay off of social media as much as possible, sign up for a newsletter platform that way your audience can still get timely updates from you and your business. I personally use Mailerlite.
Keep It Real
One of the biggest turn-offs of social media is the feeling of inauthenticity that often pervades it. But here's the thing – people crave authenticity. They want to connect with real humans, not faceless brands. So, don't be afraid to show the human side of your business. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, introduce your team members, and don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. Your followers will appreciate the authenticity, and it will help you stand out in a sea of sameness.
Outsource If You Can
If the thought of managing your business's social media presence fills you with dread, consider outsourcing it to someone. Whether it's hiring a freelance social media manager or partnering with a digital marketing agency, delegating the task to someone who knows what they're doing can take a huge weight off your shoulders. That way, you can focus on what you do best – running your business – while someone else handles the social media stuff.
I have found where my balance and boundries are when it comes to working on social media, and my personal life. I get my work done, and the rest of the time is free time. When I start to notice I am falling into the depths of the endless scroll, I put down my phone, or close my laptop and remind myself that reality is so much better than virtual. And also I have tons of laundry I could alsways be doing!
Set Boundaries
Finally, remember that you don't have to be glued to your phone 24/7 to have a successful social media presence. Set boundaries for yourself and your business. Designate specific times to engage with your followers and create content, and then give yourself permission to unplug and focus on other things. Your mental health will thank you, and your followers will still be there when you come back refreshed and ready to tackle social media again.
There are days that I can not bring myself to create content. That is exactly when I know I need to step away and take a break. I’m not doing anyone any favors by forcing the content. It just won’t be good or quality. After my break, I feel refresh, inspired, and content just flows!
So, there you have it – a survival guide for navigating social media as a business when you'd really rather not. Remember, it's okay to not love social media. What's important is finding a way to make it work for your business in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.
