14 reasons why businesses don't get sales from social media

1. No plan - You really do need a plan if you are going to embrace social media. What are your objectives? What do you want to achieve? Yes yes Sales but do you also want brand awareness? Are you going to be there and use it as a customer service tool? You are the first point of contact for someone looking to book a stay with you for example.

2. Content: You must be giving value, not just throwing out ads. What value are you giving to your audience? Are you sharing your knowledge? Are you assisting others? Or are your posts all sell sell sell? Are you mentioning others in the community and supporting other businesses in the area? Try Feedalpha.com for finding great content about your area or other industries. Feedalpha is also great for scheduling your content. And it’s Irish too! Build relationships with local tourist destinations, restaurants in the area and local businesses.

3.They don't want photos taken - Seriously? A photo can be so powerful! People buy from people, we want to see behind the scenes. What is your shop like? We'd love to see your team helping customers, it makes us more comfortable when we walk in to do business with you. What are you doing right now? Are you on the way to the gym, are you at an event? Are you preparing your content? Take a photo!

4. You are not engaging with people who mention you. When someone mentions your hotel or desination it's nice to acknowledge that they mentioned you. A simple thank you or 'Look forward to welcoming you again' would be sufficient but do add these people to a Twitter list so you can keep engaging with them from time to time to see how they are etx.

5. Using Auto DMs e.g. on Twitter (X) It's a mistake that a lot of people make, so don't worry. Us Twitter users don't like to get automated direct messages. We would like to speak to a human.

6. Following the wrong people - It's great to follow big names and agencies for information but if you want to grow your followers you start by following who you think might like to connect with you. Other business owners are great at supporting each other.

I guarantee you if you follow a big celebrity or brand the chances they will follow you back are quite slim. They should ....but most don't. (some do, but very few). You also have a very very slim chance of them EVER retweeting your tweet. (If it was something relevant, you might get a like) but it would be more productive if you followed people who actually DO love you and what you do and people who 'get you'. Past visitors are your best supporters so engage with them. ?Surround yourself with like minded people also like other business owners. They get you!

7. They think 10 trillion followers is the most important thing This is very important. It's not about the amount of followers it's about having the right people following you. Are they people you want in your network? Are they spreading the word about you? If they are, it's because they feel you give value, and they know, like and trust you. Also past visitors - Are you following them? Are you engaging with them regularly and keeping in touch? They might come back you know!

8. They don't measure success Track your success. Google, Facebook, instagram, Linkedin, Twitter all have great analytics that you can use for free. Use them! Find out what is working for you, and keep doing that.

9. They send people to a website and it's rubbish Ah yes, how many times have you clicked on a link in a tweet and gone to read or buy something and it takes you to a website that looks awful and isn't really user friendly? Get a professional website done.

10. They don't answer messages Yay you have a query.....it's in your messages. But wait, you don't answer until 3 days later. Too late! On Twitter we expect a response within 6 hours (I expect one within half an hour) and Facebook messages being unanswered is very frustrating. Some people message Facebook instead of ringing you. So do check your messages and answer them. Even if you are unavailable right now explain that. You can set up automatic ones on Facebook but really it’s nice to get a personal one back.

11. They don't use images in their social media posts - Did you not notice that when YOU are scrolling through your social media that usually it's an image of some sort that stops you. Tweets and posts with an image are much more likely to be retweeted or shared than a tweet or post with no image. Start learning how to use Canva

12. They don't use video Ok if you aren't using video yet, you will get left behind. You can do great 'how to' videos on You Tube. Create a You Tube channel and do some really professional ones OR use your phone! Twitter video, Twitter live, Facebook live and Linkedin video, instagram stories all work really well. You don't have to be a professional. Just push the button and watch the magic happen.

13. They don't respond to questions Someone has asked 'how much is it' when you post up that lovely photo. ?Answer them straight away. They are obviously interested and in 'buying mode' so be swift and reply.

14. Using the wrong hashtags You might love all things to do with the GAA but what do your followers want? They want to buy from you. Are the hashtags you are using actually going to be ones that your customers will be using or watching?

If you want to learn lots of social media tips from the pros, join us at the Virgin Media Business #Backingbusiness social media masterclss on June 25th in Croke Park. There are still some FREE tickets available! Click the image for link!

If you only like to focus on LinkedIn I am hosting an online masterclass on LinkedIn events and newsletters if you'd like to join me from anywhere in the world!

Build more connections & leads.

Show you are the expert in your niche

Build a community around you

Attract more leads & sales.

Book the LinkedIn newsletter and events masterclass

Huge thank you also to all of you who subscribe to my LinkedIn newsletter. I really do appreciate your support.

Sam