“Thinking will not overcome fear, but action will.” - Clement Stonen

Introduction:

In my previous post, I discussed “5 Effective Digital Marketing Tips on a Budget”. I’ve come to some realization after that, and today, I want to focus on a common hurdle many of my past clients faced: the fear of starting.

Many people ignore social media because they don’t know what to do or how to do it. In your case, you must have heard how beneficial it would be for your business, but then just the thought of starting or where to start discourages the idea.

But that’s actually why this has become a problem. Because one way or another, you need to start at something.

Easier said than done, I know. So let me share practical steps (which I did when I was just starting) to help you overcome the fear of starting and finally harness the power of social media for your business.

6 Steps To Overcome The Fear Of Starting A Social Media

1. Acknowledge the Fear

That fear exits. Acknowledge it. Besides, who doesn’t get overwhelmed by something unfamiliar? 

Many business owners, even myself, worry about making mistakes, looking unprofessional, or wasting time on ineffective strategies. 

But how is it ineffective when you haven’t tried it yet? How is it unprofessional when you’re basically just testing the waters? And why fear committing mistakes when they will lead you to your best marketing strategies in the future? 

Understanding that these fears are common can help you move past them. 

2. Choose One Platform

Don’t try to be a pro at anything overnight. Instead of trying to master every social media platform at once, start with just one. Pick a platform that you feel most comfortable with, even if it’s not the perfect fit for your audience.

This is your first step in exploring social media platforms. Whether for an existing business or a hobby-turn-business thing, it will be more about you and your business than your customers. 

This could be Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, or even Pinterest. 

Pick your platform to start somewhere and use it to promote your business products and services. 

3. Set Clear Goals

Before you begin, or while you’re creating your first social media account, try to define what you want to achieve with your social media presence. 

To increase awareness? Generate leads? Engage with customers? 

Clear and achievable goals will give you a sense of direction and purpose. 

4. Create a Content Plan

In that recent blog, I shared content marketing plans on a budget. A content plan is essential for staying consistent and organized.

Decide what types of content you want to share, such as blog posts, images, videos, or infographics. Plan your posts in advance using a content calendar. This will save you time and help you maintain a regular posting schedule. 

5. Engage With Your Audience

Social media is all about engagement. It’s the perfect channel to communicate with your customers. Encourage them to follow you and when they do, be sure to respond to their comments, answer questions, and participate in conversations. 

Show them that there is a real person behind your branding. You can build your network by joining social media groups and communities related to your industry. Business networking can be your most powerful tool. 

Always remember that building relationships takes time, but it’s crucial for long-term success. 

6. Learn As You Go

Again, don’t worry about getting perfect right from the start. You will encounter several mistakes and that’s fine. Social media is a learning process. Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t. 

You can use available analytic tools out there to track your performance and adjust your strategy accordingly. 

And once you feel comfortable with your initial platform, consider expanding to others where your audience is more active. By then you’ll have a better understanding of how social media works. It should be easier to manage multiple platforms compared to when you’re just starting. 

Final Words

You see, it all starts with small, manageable steps to do something. If you let your fears consume you, you won’t be able to achieve your goal.

Don’t let it hold you back from the incredible opportunities social media can offer to connect with your audience and grow your business. 

For more tips on making the most of your digital budget, check out our previous blog post. 

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