As you know, social media is a vital tool for growing a small business nowadays. However, like any tool, it can be misused in the wrong hands and sometimes be dangerous. So this post will look at some ways that social media can hurt, not help, your career.

Spending Too Much Time On It

It is said that you should spend a total of six to 10 hours per week on social media, but many will spend much longer. It's easy to spend too much time studying your rivals to figure out how to get more views for reels, and not have enough time to market or make content as a response. Not to mention, it's so simple to catch yourself doomscrolling, looking at algorithm-recommended content, or loading up Facebook on instinct when you get bored. There is a line where being on social media is procrastination disguising itself as "marketing." Don't cross that line!

Solution

Set a reasonable amount of time each day for social media. If you're starting, a maximum of an hour a day is a good idea. Use distraction-free apps to limit your time on these sites. Be sure your time is spent wisely, not looking at irrelevant memes.

Another solution is to use scheduling software to schedule your posts so you don’t spend time uploading each one manually.

Finally, if your business is growing, hire a social media manager to handle your posts while you spend more time growing your business in different ways. A manager can save you time, as long as you give them good directions that align with your business and business vision.

Sharing Too Much

Four out of five people overshare personal information on social media. As a small business owner, you may want to share a little about your personal life, as it can increase your business's engagement.

However, you should avoid sharing content that could reveal personal information about yourself. This isn't just your home address or credit card, either. You should not use social media as your therapist and reveal intimate details about your personal life that people could use against you or that could turn people away from your business.

Politics and Hot Takes

Some businesses like to post controversial opinions and even talk about their politics. For example, Ben & Jerry's has always expressed liberal values, and that's become part of its branding. Meanwhile, Steak 'n Shake has had more of a MAGA turn in the past year, especially in its social media marketing.

This can work, attracting people whose political beliefs strongly align with your presentation. However, it can repel the opposite side. And if you say something that doesn't align with what your audience believes, you may end up making everyone mad. Use sparingly unless politics and values are a major part of your business.

Solution

Before you post, be sure that there isn’t anything in the background that could reveal personal details. For example, a bill you had lying around that has your address on it. Also, before you post something personal, ask yourself if you’d tell a stranger you just met this information. Finally, think long and hard before you post politics. If you’re afraid the post is too much of a risk,

Social Media Can Bring Imposter Syndrome and Kill Your Confidence

Social media creates a paradox. As a business owner, it's vital to look at other businesses to see what they're doing right and wrong. You must compare yourself to other companies, but doing so can hurt your confidence.

It can be frustrating when a rival business is getting viral posts after viral posts, while you struggle to break 10 likes. Your follower count has stagnated, while other companies are climbing to the top. Even if your business is successful, you may feel impostor syndrome, where you don't feel like you belong in the industry because others seem more successful than you are.

For some, this can inspire a change in content strategy. For others, they may start to feel less confident. They’ll feel like no one cares about their business, which can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Your business will fail because you feel like a failure.

Solution

If you're feeling this way, take a break from social media and focus on other aspects of your business and business marketing. You may want to seek mental health treatment, too, if possible. There may be other problems at play.

Do Your Posts Conflict With Your Day Job?

Some users' small businesses are side hustles, with their day job being a significant source of income. If that's the case, does the business conflict with your day job? For example, your business may have a foul-mouthed persona, but you work as an elementary school teacher.

If your boss finds your side hustle, will they be proud, or will they call you in for a "talk?" Until your business becomes successful, you don't want to quit your day job just yet.

Solution

Be sure that your small business and your day job are aligned as closely as possible. If that can't be done, maintain more anonymity in your business. Never show your face or reveal information about yourself that could tie you to your main business.

Final Thoughts

Once again, social media can be a fantastic tool, but you must learn to use it correctly. The main dangers of social media include:

· Spending too much time on social media, especially if that time is unproductive. Spend up to an hour a day, and consider hiring a social media manager.

· Oversharing information can expose too much about yourself. Posting political and hot takes can attract audiences, but they can easily backfire.

· Comparing yourself to others is essential in social media marketing, but can lead to impostor syndrome.

· If you have a day job, keep your business as separated as possible, if it doesn't get you in trouble.

Social media should always be used wisely. If you're missing it, take a step back and adjust your strategy.