For a wider reach, small businesses need to dip their toes into social media marketing. It's not as complex as rocket science so anyone can study how to manage the social media accounts of their businesses. But it doesn't mean they're invincible from committing mistakes. In fact, when everything seems easy that's when they end up doing one mistake after another.

Don't worry too much, though. These social media mistakes aren't irreversible. In fact, it's something that any newbie on social media can commit. It just takes practice and a lot of planning to make your networking activities effective.

To be on the safe side, check out the common social media mistakes and how you can avert and resolve them:

1. You don't create your own content.

The problem: To be an authority, you need to post original content. It's not as time-consuming as blogging in which you'll actually have to write essay-long posts. It's good to share posts from other websites that are related to your business. However, it's even better if you create posts that are originally from your business or account.

The solution: Create share-able content, that's the number one rule in social media marketing. Instead of just linking an article from some website, why not post an original graphics or typography that will attract your market? Infographics are good way to capture an audience and it's also something that social media users love sharing. It's not just images, too, but even articles and blog entries from your own site if you have one.

2. You rarely interact with followers.

The problem: The goal of having a social media is to make sure that you can personally interact with your market and to directly deal with their concerns. Another goal is to make your brand approachable and to open the lines of communication with your users. But if the only thing you do is post and not interact with other users, then it defeats the purpose of having a social media account.

The solution: Read and respond to every message you get. When you have a mention on Twitter, make sure to appropriately listen to their concern. Don't hesitate to say thank you whenever someone praises your product and mention or tag you in their post. It's essential to establish an open relationship with your clients through social media.

3. Your posts lead to a dead end.

The problem: It's great to be informative, but sometimes, your posts don't open chances for feedback. Your timeline needs to be entertaining that visitors will actually find themselves browsing through it and not just leaving the page as quickly as possible. Your timeline can't seem like a one-way communication.

The solution: Something that supports the previous solution, you need to make your posts interactive. What do you do when you don't get mentions, comments or feedback? You ask for it! End your posts with questions that will entice your followers to comment and give their feedback. Make it fun. Post something controversial, something thought-provoking that your audience will feel the need to react.

4. You don't actively seek followers.

The problem:  You can't just wait around for people to follow your social media accounts. Though creating engaging content is the best way to keep your followers around, it's not enough to gain them. Unless you create a post that goes viral, you won't be able to attract followers in an instant.

The solution: Search for users who mention your product or business and try to interact with them. It's common for people to post online their reaction and criticisms on the products and services they use. But many of them fail to tag your social media account which is rather disheartening. Seek for them and try to get their attention. Not only would you lead them to your account but you'll also introduce yourself to people who follow these users.

For small businesses, free resources are blessings in disguise. Social media is one of them because not only are they free to use, but they're also one of the most effective way to promote your business. If you only know how to use them well, you can expand the scope of your target market.

Author Bio
Dorothy Hunter is a freelance writer and blogger for Best Essay.com. She writes and reads short stories when she's not busy and spends way too much time looking at cat photos online and tweeting about it.