Common Social Media Mistakes I See Small Businesses Make and What To Do Instead

If you are a small business trying to grow your online presence, chances are you are juggling a lot. Social media can easily become an afterthought or done in a way that does more harm than good. As a social media and content marketing manager based in Middle Tennessee, I see the same mistakes over and over again.

Here are a few of the most common ones and how you can avoid them.

Relying Too Much on Templated Graphics

Tools like Canva are helpful, but if every post looks like something anyone could make, it does nothing to build brand recognition. Your visuals should represent your business, your voice, and your audience.

What to do instead: Create a balanced mix of videos, photos, and carousel posts that truly engage your audience and fit within your niche. Graphics can still have a place in your strategy, but focus on what your audience

connects with most and delivers real value.

Putting Your Logo on Everything

Your logo is important, but if every post screams promotion, people will scroll right past it. Social media is about connection, not constant selling.

What to do instead: Let your brand’s voice and visuals shine. Focus on storytelling, value, and personality. Use your logo sparingly for events, sales, or branded campaigns.

Not Starting Videos with a Hook

If you do not catch attention in the first two seconds, people will swipe away. Whether you are using Reels, TikTok, or Facebook, the first few seconds are everything.

What to do instead: Start with something that stops the scroll. Ask a question, make a bold statement, or show the final result first. You can also research hooks other people have used and see how it works for you.

Not Reviewing Performance or Trying New Things

If you are not checking which posts are working or trying new content types, your growth will stall. You need to know what resonates with your audience. Think of social media like a television network the shows that do really well tend to run for several seasons and the shows with low views are not renewed after the first season.

What to do instead: Look at your reach, saves, and shares regularly. Test new formats like carousels, stories, or video to see what works best for your followers.

Overpromoting or Selling in a Boring Way

If every post is “Buy now” or “Call us today,” your followers will start to ignore you. No one likes the used car salesman approach on social media. Most businesses want to build a community on social media to warm their leads, if you do not produce warming content then your audience will check out.

What to do instead: Mix in helpful tips, behind-the-scenes moments, or client stories. Create content that people want to see, not just what you want to sell. You should

aim to entertain, inform, and inspire your audience.

Using the Same Strategy on Every Platform

Facebook is not the same as Instagram. TikTok is not the same as LinkedIn. Your audience uses each platform differently.

What to do instead: Choose one or two platforms where your ideal customer is already spending time. Focus your energy there. Customize your content to fit how people use each platform.

Ignoring Platform Updates and Trends

Instagram content is going to be indexed by Google which means your content is going to show up in search results while hashtags are being phased out. If you are not staying up to date, you are falling behind.

What to do instead: Follow updates from platform blogs or work with a social media manager who keeps up with it for you. Staying current helps you show up when it matters.

Start With Strategy Not Guesswork

I started my business to help small businesses in Middle Tennessee get more out of their marketing. Whether you are in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, or anywhere in Rutherford County, I work with business owners who are ready to show up consistently and with purpose.

Before I ever post for a client, I make sure we understand their brand positioning and key messages so everything is working toward the same goal. That is how you get more out of every marketing dollar.