What do you do if your assertiveness in social media marketing is turning off your audience?

1 Gauge Impact

When you notice a negative response to your assertiveness on social media, start by gauging the impact. Look at your engagement metrics such as likes, shares, comments, and most importantly, the sentiment behind them. If there's a trend of negative feedback or a drop in interactions, it's a clear sign that your audience is not resonating with your approach. Remember, social media is about building relationships, not just broadcasting messages. Take this as an opportunity to listen to your audience and understand their preferences, which can guide you in adjusting your tone and tactics.

2 Reflect Tone

Your tone on social media is the voice of your brand, and it should resonate with your audience. If your assertiveness is off-putting, it's time to reflect on your tone. Are you coming across as too aggressive or salesy? Is your language inclusive and engaging, or does it feel like a one-way conversation? By analyzing your posts and the language you use, you can start to make subtle changes that encourage a more welcoming and conversational tone. This doesn't mean losing your assertiveness entirely but rather tempering it with warmth and openness to foster a more positive community around your brand.

3 Adjust Content

Content is king in social media marketing, but if it's not hitting the mark with your audience, it's time for an adjustment. Review your content strategy and consider whether it aligns with the interests and needs of your followers. Perhaps your assertive approach has led to an overemphasis on sales-driven content at the expense of educational or entertaining material. Diversify your content to include stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and user-generated content that invites participation without aggressive selling. By doing so, you can create a more engaging and less confrontational space for your audience.

4 Engage Directly

Direct engagement with your audience can soften the perception of assertiveness by showing that there are real people behind the brand. Take the time to respond to comments, messages, and mentions with personalized replies. Show appreciation for their input and demonstrate that you value their opinions and experiences. This direct line of communication can help build trust and loyalty, which are essential for a successful social media presence. It's not just about promoting your message; it's about being part of a conversation.

5 Analyze Competitors

Understanding how your competitors interact with their audiences can provide valuable insights into what works and what doesn't in your industry. Analyze their social media presence to see how they balance assertiveness with engagement. Notice the types of content they post, how they respond to their audience, and the overall tone they use. You don't need to copy their strategy, but learning from their successes and failures can help you refine your approach and find a better way to connect with your audience.

6 Pivot Strategy

If all else fails, don't be afraid to pivot your social media marketing strategy entirely. Sometimes a fresh start is what's needed to re-engage an audience that's been turned off by too much assertiveness. This could mean a new content calendar, a different posting schedule, or even a rebranding of your social media profiles. What's important is that you're flexible and willing to make changes in response to the feedback from your audience. By showing that you're responsive to their needs and willing to adapt, you can win back their trust and interest.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?