Experts opine that there are quite a few deadly sins of business marketing on social media. Many of the mistakes, however, are simple errors and cannot be described as deadly sins. Often, it’s a trivial matter of not paying adequate attention to what you are exactly doing. At other times, it’s a lack of knowledge of how to use the social sites. Avoid the following deadly sins and you will derive optimum benefits from social media.

Social media is all about engagement and sharing too much or too little can both be bad.

Social media is about sharing the right quantum of information. But, it’s a double-edged sword and can at times be dangerous.

For instance, if you share personal information about your physical address and other sensitive information, you never know who might view that information. There is a huge risk factor. Sensitive business information should also not be posted publicly. Better option would be to use your company’s internal email for any sensitive company info.

Again, sharing too little information, or getting personal on business-related posts might be deadly mistake. Personal opinions, -like religious affiliation or political beliefs – may estrange potential prospects and even existing customers.

You have to be extremely courteous while interacting on social media channels. Never overly argue with others even if your point of view s right. There is a wise saying – “you can win an argument, but lose the sale.” Certainly sales are a lot more important than scoring some brownie points in an argument.

Never steal content as that could be construed as plagiarism. When you share content on social media sites, make sure you have prior permission for doing so. Social media is no doubt all about sharing, but there is also a lot of copyright-protected content out there. It is safer linking to the content directly, or obtain prior permission to link to it from the copyright holder.

Never blatantly attempt to sell your products/services on social media channels.  Your first priority should be to engage with people and selling has to be done subtly. Remember that people have to trust you before they decide to buy from you.

Never mix up your business and personal accounts.
Sometimes, this stupid mistake takes place because business owners are in a hurry to post a status update to their business page. You should be in a relaxed frame of mind while participating in social media.

Do not criticize or downgrade your competitors or peers. This will be in bad taste and people will look at you scornfully. When you bash others, it makes you look petty and narrow-minded.