Written by: Samantha Vlasceanu, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Social media is such an important part of our business landscape now, and it may be hard enough to keep up with all of the changes and updates, let alone make sure we are using it correctly. Personal brands are under a lot of pressure to get social media "right", but there are some common mistakes that can trip us up.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve your social media presence and reach more people with your message. Of course, it's always easier and faster to work with an expert, so be sure to book a call to take your video marketing to the next level.
In the meantime, let's go through these mistakes one by one and talk about how they can hurt your business.
Mistake No.1: Being Fake.
We sometimes get caught in this trap by looking at what other people are doing. We think that because our competition is doing something, and being a certain way, then we should do. It's exhausting and draining, and unfortunately, we have all been there.
However, it's like your mom always said, be yourself. When it comes to social media, people can spot inauthenticity from a mile away. If you're putting up a front or trying to be someone you're not, your audience will see right through it and they won't stick around for long.
When you're being authentic on social media, you build trust with your audience and they are more likely to engage with you, buy from you, and recommend you.
Mistake No.2: Waiting too long to consider their personal brand.
Your personal brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room, and it's built over time through your actions and words. So if you wait until you're in the middle of a crisis to start thinking about your personal brand, you're already too late.
Another thing to remember is that there's no such thing as an overnight success.
When it comes to personal branding and social media, it takes time to build a following and an audience that trusts you. You can't just put up a couple of posts and expect people to start flocking to you. It doesn't work that way.
So the sooner you start, the sooner you'll see results. Conversely, the longer you wait to get started, the longer you'll have to wait to see results.
Mistake No.3: Focusing too much on yourself.
Don't take it personally, but your personal brand shouldn't be too much about you! Yes, you are showing who you are. But, it should show your values and personality in a way that attracts others to you.
Think of it like a first date – who wants a second date with the person who wouldn't stop talking about themselves?
Focus on creating content for your audience and you'll find yourself attracting the right people to you. That creates a relationship that lasts.
Mistake No.4: Not Focusing Enough on Yourself.
Yes, this one goes both ways.
Sometimes we don't show enough of ourselves or use our voice enough. We might be worried about what other people will think of them, or afraid of putting ourselves out there and being rejected.
But if you don't use your voice, how will anyone know what you stand for? How will they know, like, and trust you and become a customer?
The answer: they won't.
So don't just share other people's content – create your own. Don't just hide behind your products. Your people need more than a voiceover – they need to see you!
Mistake No.5: Thinking that personal branding is not for you.
You may think that branding is an exercise better suited to big brands like Coca-Cola or Amazon. However,
you'd be missing a real opportunity.
Your personal branding is a way for you to get in the driver's seat in terms of how others view you. It allows you to control your own narrative and share your story with the world.
So if you're not taking advantage of that opportunity, you're missing out.
If you aren't sure how to define your personal brand, take a look at the 12 brand archetypes. We can see how other brands embody those archetypes. For example, Apple is the creator and they are all about innovation.
Or, take Nike as an example of the rebel – they're "Just Do It" mantra is all about challenging norms and pushing boundaries.
Now it's your turn! What archetype speaks to you? How can you start embodying that in your personal brand?
How to Avoid Common Mistakes on Social Media
When it comes to any path, it's always better to learn from the mistakes of others. So, if you're just getting started on social media or if you've been at it for a while but haven't seen the results you want, it may be time to talk to an expert like myself.
I have made all of these mistakes and many more. But I've also learned from them and now I'm able to help my clients avoid them.
If you're serious about taking your personal brand to the next level, book a call with me today. We'll chat about your goals and come up with a plan to get you there!
Contact: To learn more about Samantha Vlasceaunu, The TikTok Coach sessions, or to arrange an interview for a story, please contact us.
Email Address: samantha@thetiktokcoach.ca
Follow Samantha on her Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Tiktok, and visit her website for more info.
Samantha Vlasceanu, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Samantha Vlasceaunu, The TikTok Coach, is on a mission to convince businesses and brands that TikTok is not just for our teenagers (and no dancing required)! When COVID-19 hit, her other traveling business had to shut down and she had to pivot ‒ FAST. That's when she realized that she'd been organically reaching her audience on TikTok all along and realized the power TikTok could have for businesses if they gave them a chance. Fast forward to today, Sam works with marketing agencies, coaches, lawyers, and corporate Brands ‒ you name it! Sam ensures all her clients are using the app with the intention of a sales funnel in finding their target audience and coaching the strategies of converting their followers into ACTUAL paying clients.
