10 ways to turn off your fans on Facebook
I know there are thousands of bands who are doing things right,
winning new fans with engaging posts and videos (and I don’t really mean
to suggest that YOU aren’t one of ‘em). But if your Facebook fan
interaction is on the decline, you might be guilty of one or more of the
following social media sins:
1. Multiple bands creating separate events for a single show
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve
received separate event invites from every band on a bill, I’d probably
have enough to buy that sweet parlor guitar I’ve had my eye on for a
while. No, it’s not the end of the world– none of these “Facebook
crimes” will spell the end for you– but it’s just… annoying. Put 5
minutes of forethought into your show promotion, coordinate with all the
bands, and create ONE event that each of you can promote and share.
Plus, it’ll look better when everyone is RSVPing in one place!
2. Constantly asking for people to vote for you
Contrary to what shows like American Idol and The Voice
may tell you, music isn’t a competition. Sure, you can take your career
to new places and get your fans engaged with the occasional
songwriting, performance, or fan-voting contest, but stop entering every
damn one you come across. It looks a little desperate.
3. Leaving your facebook page half-completed
Did you get all excited about Facebook at some point and then abandon
it? Is it hard to tell from your page if you actually exist as a band
anymore? If so, either complete the missing info and post some new
content, or de-activate your page. It looks unprofessional.
4. Posting your stream of consciousness updates every 20 minutes
If you’re posting more than a few times a day, it
better be good stuff! Don’t use your Facebook band page as your personal
profile. The few folks who might care what you’re up to every day will
stop caring quick.
5. Incessant negativity
Every once in a while it’s ok to be honest and
vulnerable on Facebook. You can vent your frustrations from time to
time. But keep those kinds of posts as the exception. Bitching, whining,
sour grapes, jealousy, and putting other bands down– no one needs a
daily dose of that.
6. SHOUTING IN ALL CAPS!!!!
OK. WE GET IT!!!!! You have something really
important to tell us. May I suggest instead you choose from the
following list of words: excited, thrilled, stoked, psyched, amped,
beside-ourselves, overjoyed, blitzed, inspired, amazed, flushed, or
atingle?
7. Posting crappy photos that don’t even feature the band members
Oh, great. Another highly pixelated image of… what is that? A pint glass next to a taco wrapper? Next!
8. Requiring someone to do something before they can hear your music
People don’t like to jump through hoops. Let fans
listen to your music right away– even if it’s only a couple tracks!
9. Advertising by posting on someone else’s wall
Remember MySpace? This is the kinda nonsense that
would happen on MySpace all the time– and why people stopped using it.
Do NOT put your marketing messages on other people’s Facebook walls.
That is what YOUR wall is for.
10. Begging for “likes”
It’s probably OK once or twice a year to ask your
friends on Facebook to “like” your band page. Don’t make a weekly habit
of the practice, though. Your band page won’t get “liked,” and you might
just get de-friended.
I’m sure I forgot a few good examples of
bad Facebook practices. What annoys you on Facebook?
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