Personal Branding Mistakes to Avoid on Social Media

While you don’t need to use social media, the reality is, it’s one of the easiest ways to promote your personal brand in a creative and engaging way.

It’s also often one of the first interactions a potential client or employer will have with you online, so you want to be sure you’re using it to your advantage.

To ensure social media doesn’t work against you, here are a few mistakes you need to avoid as you grow your personal brand.

Mistake 1: Leaving irrelevant or embarrassing content on your profile.

If you haven’t done so, now is the time to go through each of your online profiles, clearing away anything that could damage your reputation or give people the wrong impression about you.

Mistake 2: It’s all about you.

Yes, your social media profiles are meant to promote your personal brand, but this doesn’t mean every post should also be about you. What value do you offer to those who choose to follow you? What type of content would they like to see that’s also relevant to who you are and what you do?

Mistake 3: It’s not really about you.

Social media is great for sharing engaging and interesting content, but keep in mind that it’s still a marketing tool. It’s important to have a good mix of content across your profiles so that you’re offering value but still promoting yourself too.

Mistake 4: You’re not editing.

Want to portray yourself as a true professional? Make sure you’re checking the spelling and grammar of every post before it goes online.

Mistake 5: Your posts have become predictable.

If you want social media to work for you, it’s important to not get into a rut. Using the same type of content and the same formats will quickly become boring for your audience, leading them to the profiles of your competitors. Create a content plan to prevent this and don’t forget to share other people’s content too.

Mistake 6: You’re creating conflict.

A good debate is all good and well, but if you’re always posting controversial content and comments, it could put people off. Find a way to be thought-provoking without causing constant conflict online.

Mistake 7: Your visuals don’t match your personal brand.

Visuals are an essential part of having a powerful personal brand. Scheduling a professional photoshoot can provide you with a library of images that you can use on your website and social media. Plus, a professional shoot gives you the opportunity to step away from stock photos and provide your audience with unique, memorable visuals that match your brand.

Mistake 8: You’re sticking to what you know.

Platforms like Facebook and Twitter (the original social media sites) are what we all know but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t expand your horizons. Take the time to explore other platforms and don’t be afraid to try new forms of content.

Mistake 9: You’re not consistent or engaging.

If you want to use social media to grow your personal brand, you need to be consistent. Don’t post every other day and then disappear for two weeks. This indicates that you might be unreliable. It’s also important to engage with others as it shows you’re interested and present. On the other hand, it’s also essential to not spend too much time online. You don’t have to comment on every post you see or post several times a day – it’s about finding a healthy balance.

So with these tips in mind, you should have a better idea of what to do and not do on social media when it comes to your personal brand.

To Learn More about Personal Branding, Click Here.