7 Ways to Make Sure Your Small Business Social Media Has a Positive Mental Effect
7 Ways to Make Sure Your Small Business Social Media Has a Positive Mental Effect
Having a social media presence is no longer an option when it comes to marketing your small business. However, with the number of platforms and users on the rise worldwide, having at least one social media account for your small business is a must to stay competitive in your industry. Not to mention, it's a great way to connect with and engage with your current audience and attract your target audience.
But let's be honest: Social media isn't always glamourous. Many ugly scandals have happened at the hands of social media and its content. Social media also causes news and information to travel faster than the speed of light, so one negative comment or review can quickly mean the downfall of your small business.
When we're constantly overstimulated with information from various platforms daily, it's only a matter of time before it starts to take a toll on our mental health. Social media has frequently been linked to anxiety, depression, anger, and other mental health issues. So how do you take control so that this doesn't happen when managing your small business's social media?
Here are seven ways you can make sure your small business social media has a positive mental effect on both you and your followers:
1. Focus on positive messaging.
When creating content for your small business, focus on sharing positive messages only. Examples of positive messages include celebratory posts when something positive happens in your business, when something happens to one of your customers, or when something positive happens in your community.
Additionally, focus on sharing supportive messages and advice, such as motivational and inspirational quotes and stories. By focusing on the positive, you influence your followers to think, feel, and share positive things. You also help others associate your small business brand with positive messaging.
Let's be honest: Social media isn't always glamorous.
2. Encourage user-generated content.
In addition to sharing content from your business page, encourage your users to post their own positive stories and experiences. Doing so helps build a positive and inclusive community and curb others' need to always be "perfect" on social media (hence taking a toll on their mental health).
Hosting contests, hashtag campaigns, and inviting your audience to share inspirational photos using your products or services are some examples of how to encourage user-generated content for your small business.
3. Engage with your audience consistently.
One of the best ways to create good feelings and encourage positive mental health on your social media platforms is by regularly engaging with your audience. So, in addition to celebratory and inspirational posts, you also want to include posts that encourage audience interaction, such as open-ended questions or polls.
When someone comments on your page or post, take some time to respond-- even when it's negative! Doing so helps your audience to feel that they are recognized, appreciated, and included, which goes a long way for their mental health.
4. Counteract the negative with the positive.
With social media being an open platform for communication, you can't always control what others posts or how they respond to what you post. However, you can certainly choose how you react to them! When you receive a negative comment or review, it's important to acknowledge and respond quickly.
Negative comments not only can cause harm to your small business and your mental health, but they can also cause others to think and act negatively. Therefore, by counteracting the negativity with positivity, you flip the script and show your audience that you are committed to creating a positive atmosphere in your business and on its platforms.
5. Be mindful of how you say things.
Words have a powerful effect on our minds and the way we feel. Therefore, when posting to your social media, you want to be cautious of what you say and how you say it. When posting content, do your best to speak positively. Instead of using phrases that focus on the negative (such as talking about what should not or can not be done), turn them around into words that emit positivity and let them know what they should and can do.
For example, instead of saying, "We are sorry to share that we are sold out of this product and will not be restocking," you can say, "We are excited to share that we will be restocking our store with new and exciting products that you will love." See how much better the second phrase sounds?
When you use positive language in your content, you project positivity to your audience, making them more likely to connect with and buy from you.
6. Set boundaries.
Setting boundaries goes a long way when focusing on social media positivity. Before you even log on to your social media accounts, decide how much time you will spend on those accounts that day and limit yourself to that time only. Additionally, determine what tasks you plan to accomplish during that timeframe before logging on. Doing so will help prevent you from mindlessly scrolling and getting sucked into other distractions that could have a negative mental impact.
In addition to setting boundaries on how and when you spend your time on social media, you also want to set limits on what kind of content you will allow being associated with your brand. For example, will you refrain from talking about particular topics or events? Will you allow your audience to post to your accounts freely, or will you set word filters and security features? How will you handle the inevitable bullies and trolls that may come across your accounts?
By setting boundaries around these types of things, you allow yourself to monitor what kind of information is being projected from your brand. Additionally, they will protect you and your followers from information that may not have the most positive effect on mental health.
7. Take care of yourself too.
While you're working hard to ensure that your small business brand has a positive mental health effect on others, don't forget about yourself! As a small business owner, it's easy to put the needs of your business and your audience above your own, but it's also essential that you take the necessary steps to keep your mental health and sanity in check.
As you develop your social media content and plan, keep it authentic to take the pressure off trying to be like others in your industry. In addition, use social media tools and apps to automate posts and take the stress out of creating content on the fly. Last but not least, don't be afraid to delegate your social media content to another team member or outsource it altogether. Doing so will take a load off your shoulders, decreasing the amount of stress you deal with daily.
At the end of the day, having a strong and positive social media presence for your small business takes time, consistency, and mindfulness of its effect on others. However, when your social media presence emulates and brings out positivity in others, it makes it all well worth the effort.
