During the pandemic, the use of social media rose by 10.5% compared to July 2019, according to a GlobalWebIndex survey. Post-pandemic, the typical social media user still spends about 2.5 hours per day on social media, according to DataReportal. That’s 864 hours a year of scrolling through apps, equivalent to 36 days or a little over a month.
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, and businesses now have access to powerful tools to build their online presence. One of the essential aspects of social media success lies in implementing effective follow and unfollow strategies. However, these strategies can be a double-edged sword; they may lead to negative consequences if not handled properly.
Let’s talk about specific dos and don’ts of follow and unfollow strategies to help you navigate social media platforms successfully.
The Do’s:
1 – Do Focus on Authentic Engagement:
Building meaningful relationships is crucial to social media success. Respond to messages in a personalized manner, and engage with your followers genuinely by responding to funny comments and inquiries. These simple steps will make your followers feel appreciated and valued.
2 – Do Follow Relevant Accounts:
Follow accounts that align with your interests, niche, or industry. This will not only help you stay updated but also create opportunities for collaboration and cross-promotion.
3 – Do Use Hashtags Wisely:
Hashtags can expand your reach and visibility. Research relevant and trending hashtags, but avoid using them excessively or inappropriately, as they may appear spammy.
4 – Do Analyze Your Performance:
Use social media analytics tools to track your performance, identify the most engaging content, and understand your audience’s behavior. This data will help you refine your strategies and achieve better results.
5 – Do Encourage User-Generated Content (UGC):
UGC is a powerful way to build trust and authenticity. Encourage your followers to create content related to your brand and repost it, giving proper credit. This strengthens the community around your brand. It also increases awareness about your business when they share the content with family and friends.
6 – Do Collaborate and Network:
Partnering with other influencers or businesses can introduce you to new audiences and broaden your reach. Engage in meaningful collaborations that benefit both parties and resonate with your audience.
7 – Do Show Gratitude:
Express appreciation to your followers and customers for their support. Organize giveaways, exclusive discounts, or special events to show gratitude and foster loyalty.
8 – Do Stay Positive and Respectful:
In the digital realm, conflicts can arise quickly. Always maintain a positive and respectful tone in your interactions, even when addressing criticism. Constructive dialogues can turn detractors into supporters.
The Don’ts:
1 – Don’t Engage in Mass Following and Unfollowing:
Avoid rapidly following and then unfollowing accounts to boost your follower count. This tactic may lead to a negative reputation and a drop in genuine followers.
2 – Don’t Buy Followers:
Purchasing followers may seem tempting, but it’s counterproductive. Fake followers won’t engage with your content or contribute to your success. Focus on organic growth instead.
3 – Don’t Use Bots:
Automated bots can create a false sense of activity, but they often lead to spammy behavior and can get your account flagged or banned.
4 – Don’t Over-Promote:
While promoting your brand is essential, don’t overwhelm your audience with constant sales pitches. Strike a balance between promotional and informative content.
5 – Don’t Overuse Emojis and Abbreviations:
While emojis and abbreviations can add a personal touch to your posts, excessive use may make your content appear unprofessional and difficult to read.
6 – Don’t Engage in Controversial Topics Unrelated to Your Niche:
Unless it’s directly related to your brand or industry, avoid engaging in controversial discussions that may alienate your audience.
7 – Don’t Spam Your Followers:
Bombarding your followers with frequent posts can lead to unfollows. Opt for quality over quantity and share content that adds value to their feeds.
Mastering the art of social media requires a thoughtful approach to follow and unfollow strategies. Focus on building authentic connections, providing value to your audience, and staying true to your brand identity. By following the do’s and avoiding the don’ts, you can create a vibrant and engaged social media community that propels your online presence to new heights.
That’s about it! Keep these simple dos and don’ts in mind while navigating social media follow and unfollow strategies as a business owner.
