Marketing twenty years ago was quite rudimentary: attractive billboards for design, flyers mailed to millions, and, of course, television advertising. Consumers have now moved into the digital space, but they still crave the attention of the corporations they admire. Unfortunately, many brands still stagnate on social media and cannot use this channel effectively.

1. Everyone is at it

Despite the belief that everyone in the world is on social media, the truth is that many people are not. Current data shows that of the 4.5 billion active Internet users worldwide, 3.8 billion people have social media accounts. That’s still a lot, but don’t assume everyone can see your posts. Some people only use it to keep in touch with their families.

2. It is the only marketing strategy you need

Social media marketing should be part of your entire marketing strategy, not your only strategy. You still need a website, email marketing still offers the highest return on investment, and content marketing are important elements of your marketing strategy. It is never a good idea to put all of your marketing eggs in one basket.

3. Leads to quick sales

Social media marketing is a journey and not a destination and it is not a place for instant sales. It takes time to build a following. Gaining more followers and more actions is a continuous and long-term effort.

4. It is only for young people

People of all ages are now on social networking sites. Evaluating and understanding your target audience is critical not only in choosing your social platforms but also in developing an effective marketing plan.

5. Must be on every platform to succeed

This is simply not true and can really waste your time. It is best to research and determine which ones will be most effective for your business. What platforms does your audience use? That is where you should be. It is better to have a really good site than several poorly managed ones.

6. It is too expensive for a small business

Social media can be inexpensive and expensive. You can configure profiles on any social platform for free. Once you are comfortable with the way your chosen platform works, advertising can be very profitable.

7. The more followers, the better There’s no point in having tens of thousands of followers if none of them listen to you. It is better to have a hundred followers who are highly selective and loyal.