Social media isn’t about blatant promotion, it’s about subtle connections. Yet every once in a while we find ourselves working with a client who (in our opinion) steps over the promotional line. CTAs (calls to action) don’t belong on social media. Social is, or should be, more subtle.
If you think about social media as a form of social interaction which, of course, it is, you can quickly see how grating blatant CTAs can be. It’s like attending a business event — say a Chamber of Commerce social activity — and making your way around the room, saying to those you encounter: “Buy my product!” Not really a good way to engage with others.
The same is true online.
Yes, chances are, your reasons for engaging in social media are self-promotional. There’s nothing wrong with that. Yet, the process of promoting yourself or your services must be subtle. Social media is about engaging with an audience by providing information that is of value. In the process of doing that, over time, you build a reputation. Then, every once in a while, you can subtle suggest that members of your social channels might want to check out something you have to offer.
But exhortations like: “Buy now!” or “Click here to learn more.” are like nails on a chalkboard in the social environment.
Our advice: don’t do it.
