Introduction:

The Top 5 Mistakes You Might Be Making in Your Social Selling Strategy

Let’s face it—social selling can be tough. It’s not just about posting pretty pictures and hoping someone buys. If you’re not careful, you could be making mistakes that are holding you back from achieving the success you want.

Whether you're just starting out in social selling or have been at it for a while, it’s easy to get caught up in bad habits or strategies that don’t work. But the good news? You can fix it. In this post, I’ll break down the top 5 mistakes you might be making in your social selling strategy and, more importantly, show you how to fix them.

1. You’re Focusing Too Much on the Sale, Not Enough on the Relationship

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make in social selling is focusing too much on the sale and not enough on building a relationship. Social selling isn’t about spamming people with your pitch every chance you get—it’s about building trust and offering value to your audience.

Mistake: You’re pushing products or services without taking the time to connect with your potential customers.

Solution: Shift your focus to relationship-building. Take the time to engage with your audience. Respond to their comments, answer their questions, and offer free, valuable advice. The goal is to create conversations, not just close sales. People buy from people they trust, so build trust first.

Pro Tip: Start conversations that are focused on your audience’s needs and pain points. Lead with value and the sales will naturally follow.

2. You’re Using the Same Strategy on Every Platform

Each social media platform is different. What works on Instagram might not work on LinkedIn, and what resonates with your Twitter audience might not appeal to your Facebook followers. If you’re using the same strategy across all platforms, you’re missing out on the unique strengths each platform offers.

Mistake: You’re treating every platform the same and using the same content strategy everywhere.

Solution: Tailor your approach to each platform. On Instagram, leverage visuals and stories to showcase products or services. On LinkedIn, focus on sharing valuable business insights and thought leadership. Facebook can be used for building communities and conversations, while Twitter is perfect for quick updates and engagement.

Pro Tip: Spend some time getting to know the best practices for each platform you’re on, and adjust your content accordingly.

3. You’re Not Engaging Enough with Your Audience

Here’s the thing: social selling is social. If you’re not engaging with your audience regularly, you’re missing the point. You can post all the great content you want, but if you’re not replying to comments, answering questions, or engaging in conversations, your audience will move on.

Mistake: You’re posting content but not engaging with the people who comment, like, or share.

Solution: Start engaging! When someone comments on your post, reply. When someone shares something from you, thank them. If you see someone struggling with a question or challenge in your niche, jump in and offer help. Show up for your audience and prove that you genuinely care.

Pro Tip: Set aside time each day to engage with your followers—whether it's answering comments, replying to DMs, or simply liking and sharing others' content. This builds loyalty and trust.

4. You’re Not Being Consistent with Your Posts

If you’re posting sporadically, you’re not going to build the momentum you need to grow your social selling success. Consistency is key. The more regularly you show up, the more likely your audience is to engage with you, and the more you can nurture relationships over time.

Mistake: You’re posting only when you feel like it or when inspiration strikes.

Solution: Create a content calendar and stick to it. Consistency doesn’t mean posting every day, but it does mean showing up regularly and delivering value. Whether it's once a week or three times a week, make sure your audience knows when to expect new content from you.

Pro Tip: Use the scheduling tools in Meta Business Suite to plan your posts in advance. This helps you stay consistent without scrambling for content ideas every day.

5. You’re Not Using Social Proof

Social proof is a powerful tool in social selling. If you're not using testimonials, reviews, or user-generated content, you're missing out on one of the easiest ways to build credibility. People trust other people’s opinions, especially when they’re considering making a purchase.

Mistake: You’re not using testimonials, reviews, or showcasing your happy customers.

Solution: Start incorporating social proof into your posts. Share customer reviews, testimonials, or case studies that demonstrate how your product or service has made a difference. Show off user-generated content (like photos or stories from happy customers). Social proof builds trust and proves that others are benefiting from what you offer.

Pro Tip: Ask your satisfied customers for reviews or for permission to share their posts about your product. Use their feedback to build your reputation and credibility.

Conclusion: Fix These Mistakes, Boost Your Results

Social selling isn’t about pushing products on people—it’s about building relationships, offering value, and creating trust. If you’re making any of these mistakes, now is the time to change. Focus on building meaningful connections, engaging consistently, and showcasing your value.

Once you start getting these key elements right, your social selling strategy will naturally improve, and you’ll see the results you’ve been working towards. Stay patient, stay consistent, and remember—business growth takes time, but these simple shifts will help you get there faster.

So, what’s the first step you’re going to take to fix your strategy? Let me know in the comments, and let’s start making those changes today!

Other resources to help you get started, download my FREE Social Media planner to start planning out your content