There’s a lot of talk on KillerStartups about how to successfully gain leverage with social media outlets like Facebook or Twitter. What we’ve not discussed as much are characteristics you absolutely want to avoid. I’ve talked to some truly driven founders and gotten the latest from startup team members willing to give me the inside scoop.
Here’s a summary of the five online marketing mistakes they mentioned that could take down your project:
1. A Poor Attitude
If you have a bad attitude towards your own startup, then most other people will too. How do people know? Some examples include:
- You don’t post about products or news for weeks.
- You haven’t posted about a new product or service for months.
- You’re frustrated at your lack of “success” although deep down you know you haven’t put the work in.
2. Targeting A Demographic And Not a Niche
A group of people who share a problem in common and who congregate together is a niche.
Men over 40 are a demographic. Independent contractors are not a niche. Dads who work at home are not a niche.
For example, If a person from at least each of these demographics uses your app to post photos online, then you’ve got a niche.
3. Doing It On the Cheap
You don’t have to sell your apartment to finance your startup, but make sure you spend enough to show that you care. Your actual site should be one of the most important investments you make as it’s your face to the world.
Your web presence should always show that you’re worth more than you are asking for your product or service.
4. No Information Capture
When visitors come to your site, capture contact information. The easiest way to do this to setup an email newsletter in which you offer product news, updates, offers, and tips.
So, when potential customers come to your site, have a box where they can input their email address. Don’t let them get away!
5. No Long Term Vision Or Plan
Without goals or a plan, you have no business. It’s as simple as that. That doesn’t mean a 100 page dissertation, but it does mean some immediate and long term goals along with how you plan on achieving these goals.
If you don’t have a plan, it’ll become easier for your startup to lose its way and get lost at sea. Don’t let that happen! Take control of your ship through planning beforehand.
