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Top Pitfalls of Using AI for Social Media (And How to Avoid Them)

Written by Brooke B. Sellas | Oct 7, 2024 3:42:57 PM

Avoid AI pitfalls in social media marketing! Learn to create engaging content and connect with your ideal customers with these tips. 

“In the world of [industry]”

“Craft”

“Forge”

“Is like”

These words can be a dead giveaway that your content was created by AI.

But, so what? Many social media marketers are jumping on the AI bandwagon, and for good reason. Artificial intelligence can work wonders when used correctly, offering everything from automated content creation to personalized customer interactions at scale.

But here’s the catch— as AI expands, public trust seems to be falling. At B Squared Media, we collaborate with our clients to develop cutting-edge solutions, like our (beta) AI-powered programs that are tailored to meet their specific business goals. This approach ensures that our innovations are not just industry-leading but also deeply aligned with what matters most to our clients.

Many brands are missing the mark. Instead of using AI to amplify their social media success, they’re making common mistakes that lead to generic, disengaging content and, ultimately, poor results.

It’s not time for us to throw out the idea of using AI for social media marketing. Instead, we just need to understand the mistakes we’re making when using AI for social media—and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

Let’s take a look.

1. Mistaking Automation for Engagement

AI tools can automate everything from scheduling posts to generating captions, but that doesn’t mean all engagement should be left to the machines. The biggest mistake brands make? Over-automating their social media without considering the human touch.

Sure, AI can help create content quickly, but it’s not a replacement for genuine interaction like taking the time to respond to comments, engage with followers, and create meaningful conversations. AI or no AI, these are all still crucial aspects of building an engaged community on social media.

How to Avoid It: Use AI to streamline processes like content curation, creating outlines, or first drafts, but make sure your team is actively participating in the conversation. Authentic engagement still requires a human touch.

2. Relying on AI for One-Size-Fits-All Content

Another common misstep is using AI to create generic, one-size-fits-all content.

It’s tempting to treat AI as a content factory, churning out posts. But, this strategy leads to a sea of generic content that lacks personalization. It’s important to ensure the content you’re creating still aligns with your brand voice and resonates with your audience.

How to Avoid It: Always put your own human touch on the output AI provides. Don’t stop using AI for ideas, but take one more step to edit the final content to suit your audience's needs and your brand’s tone. You want your content to feel like it's been created for your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), not just pulled from ChatGPT.

3. Forgetting to Monitor AI Performance

Just because AI can analyze data faster than we can doesn't mean it's always making the right decisions.

Some companies fall into the trap of setting their AI tools on autopilot and forgetting to monitor performance.

The result? AI continues executing strategies that might no longer work, missing out on opportunities for improvement.

How to Avoid It: Regularly review your AI-driven social media campaigns. Look at what’s working, what isn’t, and adjust accordingly. AI is a tool, not a set-it-and-forget-it solution.

4. Ignoring Ethical and Legal Considerations

AI is powerful, but it’s not without its challenges—especially when it comes to privacy and ethics.

Some brands make the mistake of adopting AI without considering data privacy regulations or the ethical implications of using AI-generated content.

Failing to address these issues could lead to a loss of trust from your audience.

How to Avoid It: Stay informed about data privacy laws and ethical standards. Be transparent with your audience about how AI is being used in your social media strategy, and ensure you have the right permissions for any data you’re collecting or content you’re creating.

5. Overlooking AI’s Limitations

AI is impressive, but it’s not a replacement for a marketer. Some marketers rely too heavily on AI, expecting it to solve every problem and overlooking the nuances that only human intuition can address.

AI is best for repetitive tasks and providing data-driven insights, but it lacks the emotional intelligence and creativity that’s unique to you.

How to Avoid It: Use AI as a tool to enhance your efforts, not replace them. AI can save time by handling the basics, but your creative input, strategic thinking, and expertise are where the magic happens!

Or the TLDR version: Build AI with your clients, not for them.

The Right Way to Use AI for Social Media Success

AI has the power to revolutionize social media marketing, but only if it’s used thoughtfully.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make sure you don’t just generate content—but, generate real engagement.

Want to learn more?

Check out the replay of my webinar with the Boston HubSpot User Group below: