What is a common mistake businesses make with social media?

Focusing solely on self-promotion rather than engaging with the audience is indeed a common mistake businesses make with social media. This approach can lead to a disengaged audience because users on social media are looking for interaction, value, and connection rather than a constant stream of promotional messages. When businesses emphasize self-promotion, they miss opportunities to build relationships, foster community, and encourage dialogue with their audience. Engaging content that invites participation, feedback, and discussion tends to be more effective in nurturing customer loyalty and encouraging brand advocacy.

In contrast, the other aspects highlighted in the options are typically considered best practices in social media management. Posting at optimal times, for instance, helps ensure that content reaches the largest possible audience when engagement is likely to be highest. Creating engaging content captures interest and encourages sharing, which can significantly enhance reach and visibility. Using varied content formats allows businesses to appeal to different audiences and keeps the content fresh and interesting, catering to diverse preferences.