The document provides five tips for avoiding common social media mistakes: 1) incomplete profiles, 2) one-way communication rather than conversation, 3) spamming with sales pitches, 4) being robotic rather than human, and 5) inconsistent branding across social media and other marketing materials. It advises regularly reviewing social media efforts to understand what works and ensure best practices are followed. Understanding these common mistakes is the first step to avoiding them and better connecting with customers through social media.

1. Expert Advice on
How to Avoid These 5 Social Media
Mistakes
When done right, social media can be a
powerful way to connect with customers
and communicate branded messaging.

2. Tip 1: Incomplete Profiles
O Don't overlook your "About us" pages.
These sections are a great place to tell
your story, provide essential contact
information and link back to your
company's website.

3. Tip 2: One-Way Communication.
O Social media is about conversations.
While traditional marketing tactics
(billboards and paper advertisements),
force brands to talk at customers, social
networks give you the chance to talk with
them. Engaging with customers fosters
relationships, brand loyalty and a positive
reputation.

4. Tip 3: Spamming with sales pitches
O Social channels require carefully crafted
message -- not direct sales pitches.
Posting a barrage of product links that
scream "buy now" are often viewed as
spam which will discourage followers and
limit potential reach.

5. Tip 4: Being robotic, not human
O Brands that use social media successfully
add a human touch to their marketing
strategy. A channel that seems on ‘auto
pilot’ can make brands look detached and
unauthentic. Avoid tools that automate
activities like following and responding to
users.

6. Tip 5: Inconsistent branding.
O Consistent branding also pertains to the
look and feel of social profiles compared
to the company’s website and marketing
material. By coordinating graphics, colors,
and slogans, a social media presence will
exude professionalism.

7. What did you like about what you just read?
Regularly review your efforts to understand
what’s working and ensure they are within
best practices. Businesses that keep pace
with social technology advancements will be
better prepared to meet shifting
expectations and remain successful.
Understanding these mistakes is the first
step to avoiding them.
Source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/5-social-media-mistakes-avoid-120000152.html

8. O I found these tips to be very interesting.
Thank you for sharing!
O Follow me on my blog:
http://socialmediabynicky.blogspot.com/
there you will find me on Facebook &
Twitter.
Nicky