Being proficient in social media as a user and using it as an advertising platform require two completely different skill sets—just like everyone who can drive a car shouldn’t become a professional race car driver, the ability to use social media does not qualify a person to run a social media advertising campaign. People often ignore this and use a DIY approach to their company’s social media accounts, but there are a number of issues that come along with this approach:
Professional Quality
Thinking that they can do just as good of a job as a professional is the biggest reason why some people try to run their own social media advertising campaign: they think because they use Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms on a daily basis, they are qualified to use these platforms to run their ad campaign. Though you may have the necessary technical skills, this doesn’t mean that you will be able to run a good ad campaign. Instead of running your campaign yourself or handing it over to your tech-savvy teenager, you should consider the advantages of using a marketing professional who has experience running marketing campaigns designed to drive business towards your company. Doing so will not only result in a better end product in almost all cases, but will free you up to concentrate on the aspects of your business where you can work at a professional level.
Legal Trouble
Not only can using a professional to run your ad campaign provide more effective marketing, it can also protect you and your business from legal liabilities that exist in social media advertising. You need to be extra careful about what you can say and what images you can use on social media, so it can help to have someone who is aware of these rules on your side. Most people simply aren’t aware of these laws, so it’s always safer to delegate to someone who is.
Social Network Rules
In addition to having be aware state, federal, and even international advertising laws, each individual social network has its own rules regulating what you can do and say on social media: Facebook, to give an example, has a huge number of rules governing advertising, while Twitter has policies disallowing sending certain types unsolicited or misleading advertisements. There is a lot to be aware of, and most of it goes beyond what most people learn from their day-to-day usage of social networks.
Separation
Another thing to be especially careful about is ensuring that your personal social media accounts and your business social media accounts are completely separate. Failing to do so can lead people to believe that your personal views may be those of your business, and vice versa. Accidentally posting from the wrong account can lead not only to embarrassment, but to potential legal liability as well. Having a professionally and separately run social media campaign can eliminate any possibility of this kind of mistake occurring.
We Can Help
Bailey Law Firm offers business general counsel services, legal advice, and representation to potential, new, and established businesses of all sizes. Please contact us with any questions by clicking here or by calling our office at 832.510.2900 to schedule a complimentary consultation.