7 Social Media Mistakes That Are Costing You

Let’s be real: growing a brand on social media isn’t about going viral or chasing likes—it’s about intentionally building trust, delivering value, and consistently showing up in a way that makes your audience say, “They get me.” And then, “I want to buy from them.”

Here are 7 of the biggest social media mistakes brands are making with their social media content, plus the top reasons people do follow brands (so you can focus on doing more of what works):

Why People Are Unfollowing Brands

1. Clickbait That Disappoints (58%)
   You promised something. They clicked. It didn’t deliver. Disappointment kills trust—and once it's gone, it's hard to earn back.

2. Exaggerated or Fake Content (48%)
   If your content feels too good to be true, your audience will assume it is. Today’s followers are sharp and skeptical.

3. Boring, Low-Value Posts (45%)
   If your posts don’t educate, entertain, or inspire, they’re just taking up space. People stop scrolling for value, not fluff.

4. Repetitive and Spammy Content (44%)
   If you keep saying the same thing over and over, people will tune you out—or worse, unfollow you.

5. Too Much Self-Promotion (40%)
   Yes, you want to sell. But if you’re talking about yourself too much and never solving their problems, your audience will move on.

6. Trying Too Hard to Be Funny or Trendy (37%)
   Inauthentic posts don’t convert. If your humor doesn’t land or you’re chasing trends that don’t fit your brand, it can feel cringeworthy.

7. Ignoring Comments and Feedback (36%)
   Social media is a conversation, not a broadcast. If you aren’t listening to your audience and engaging with them, they’ll stop engaging with you.

Why People Do Follow Brands

Now that we’ve talked about what not to do—here’s what actually earns followers and loyalty:

• Promos and Discounts (58%)
  People want a reason to buy—and a good deal is always welcome.

• They’re Ready to Buy (50%)
  They’re watching you to see if you're the right fit. You need to make sure your offer is clear and compelling.

• Loyalty Incentives (46%)
  Give people a reason to stick around. Reward their trust and loyalty.

• Helpful, Educational Content (40%)
  Solve problems. Teach something. Share tips. Be useful.

• Entertaining Content (33%)
  Don’t be afraid to show your personality—if it fits your brand.

• Friends and Family Follow You (27%)
  The ripple effect is real. Community draws community.

• Your Lifestyle Aligns With Theirs (26%)
  People love to support brands that “get” them.

• You Support Causes They Care About (20%)
  They want to feel good about who they buy from.

• Big Follower Count (6%)
  Did you see the number? This is not as important as you think—your substance still matters more than size.

The Honest Truth: Your Audience Isn’t Here for You

They’re not following you to celebrate your wins or your latest product launch. They’re here because they have a problem—and you might be the one to solve it. They’re following you because they have a challenge, a frustration, or a goal—and deep down, they’re hoping you can help. That means your content needs to do more than just talk about you. It needs to speak directly to them.

This is where strategy comes in. When you create a content plan with purpose, you’re not just posting for the sake of staying active—you’re leading your audience on a journey. One that builds trust, reinforces your brand, and positions you as the obvious choice when they’re ready to buy (solve their problem). Strategic content keeps you relevant, memorable, and top of mind.

So ask yourself with every post you create:

• How can I solve their problem today?

• How can I help them reduce their pain points?

• How can I help them succeed this week?

• How can I make their day easier, better, more fun?

Don’t Have a Plan? It’s Time to Get One.

If you’re winging it every time you sit down to post, you’re wasting time and missing opportunities. A consistent plan—built around value, connection, and clarity—will change everything.

A solid content plan helps guide your audience through a journey—one that addresses their needs, keeps them engaged, and ultimately leads them to work with you to solve their problems. It keeps you visible, relevant, and consistently reminds them that you're here to help solve their problems and reduce their pain.

Need help creating a social media content plan, building a posting schedule, or developing content that actually connects? Just ask. We’ll help you start with a strategy that’s both effective and intentional. Now’s the time to take an honest look at how you’re showing up online—and make sure your content not only resonates, but actually moves people to take the next step.