Some things you definitely should post on Facebook, but then there are things you really, really, really shouldn't, especially if you're a small business owner managing your business's page.
Just like the oversharing parent who feels everyone must know when his or her little darling goes to the bathroom on her own, or the humble-bragger who announces every single time they go to the gym to pump some iron, there are a couple things you can post or do on your business's Facebook page that will drive your fans away fast. Because unlike the cousin who is so in love with his girlfriend of two weeks he must proclaim it every hour, and the aunt wh0 th1nks 1t'z h1p! 2 type lyke d1s!, your fans won't have to think up a convincing explanation for why they unfriended you at the next family reunion.
Facepalm by Brandon Grasley
So, here are some things not to do on Facebook:
Posting Too Often/Too Much
Your fans shouldn't have to wade through all your business's posts to catch up on what happened in their circle of friends during the weekend. As a business, you should really only be posting once or at the most twice a day. Any more than that and two things start happening. One, the quality of your posts starts to slip, and two, you start getting really annoying.
A similar annoying habit is posting messages that are way too long. Although many people think that text posts outperform photo posts on Facebook, that doesn't give you the go-ahead to write the history of the business in a status update. (Save that for the company's About page.) Keep it short and sweet! Your customers have a limited amount of time devoted to social media, so they're not likely to read a 200 word status.
Being Self-Centered
Even though it's your business' Facebook Page, it shouldn't be all about your business. Some companies make the mistake of using Facebook as a megaphone. Discount here! Sale there! Buy today! Contact us! Purchase this product and it'll change your life! Do that too often, and your fans are sure to hate you. (You're like a commercial they can only turn off by un-liking!)
Instead, think of Facebook as a two way conversation. Ask your fans questions about how you can help them with their problems! Share interesting and relevant news with them! Don't be....
Being Boring or Absent Altogether
Imagine finding a company's Facebook page and seeing that they haven't posted anything in three months. What does that tell you? Nothing good. Either they don't care about talking with their Fans or they're in some major trouble. Imagine again going to a company's Facebook page and seeing the same thing, the same type of posts, the same length, maybe even the same words? Over and over and over again.
Nothing says "go back! don't click that like button!" like a page with either nothing on it, or the same old boring things on it. Add variety to your Facebook posts by using photos, video, or links! Even texts posts can be changed up a little bit. Also, make sure that you post regularly to give your fans plenty of opportunities to interact with you and to keep them coming back to your page.
Ignoring Fan Feedback
If you have a whole lot of fans, it can be tough to keep up with all the conversations, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. When you don't have a whole lot of fans, that makes each interaction that much more special! One of the worst things you can do is not pay attention to what your fans are saying on your Facebook page. That, again, makes them feel like you're ignoring them.
When you do interact with fans, it shows that you're concerned about them and you appreciate their love of your company. If that doesn't inspire loyalty, then I don't know what will!