The Biggest Social Media Fails (and How to Fix Them)
- Lure Digital
- Jul 22
- 6 min read
Let’s be real: social media can be overwhelming, over-saturated, and a little… cringy. And while everyone’s busy chasing algorithms or tweaking their brand’s aesthetic for the 100th time, it’s easy to forget the basics, like actually being human. So here’s what to avoid to make your brand stand out (and not in a bad way). Whether you’re a brand, a business owner, or someone in charge of keeping your Instagram “relevant”, this one’s for you.
Don’t hire influencers and then mute them
You picked an influencer for a reason, whether it’s for their vibe, their voice, or their reach. So let them do what they do. Changing their tone to sound more “on brand” for your company? That’s how you lose their audience’s trust and end up with a boring post. Let them showcase your message their way, trust us, it’ll resonate better and help you build a stronger relationship with them and their followers.
(Also? Don’t just choose an influencer for follower count. A million followers means nothing if they’re not your vibe. Micro-influencers (5K - 50K) often convert better. Prioritize influencer alignment over clout).
Why your personality matters more than perfect content
Yes, clean captions and solid grammar matter. But your brand’s personality matters more. Give people a reason to care. Try new things. Break some rules. Be weird, funny, honest, bold, just don’t be boring.
And remember, you can always archive a post or delete a story that didn’t land (stories don’t even stick around for more than a day, so chill). Social media isn’t forever, it’s meant to be experimented with. So loosen up and have a little fun with it.
Don’t let AI write everything
We love a little AI assist (hi, ChatGPT), but over-relying on it? That’s how you end up sounding like a robot – or like everyone else. Captions should sound like a real teammate wrote them. Basically, you want to show that a real person is actually behind the account, someone with opinions, humor, quirks, and a pulse. When people comment or message you, they don’t want a copy-pasted “Thanks for reaching out!” They want you. Respond with a specific answer, a joke, or even a cheeky reply to a troll. Keep your voice on-brand, but don’t be afraid to get personal. That funny reply, that unexpected GIF, that tiny moment of humanness? That’s what builds trust, turns casual followers into loyal fans, and is what makes people way more likely to remember you (and come back).
Even ChatGPT agrees...
Don’t half-do your story highlights
If you’re gonna add Highlights on Instagram, actually fill them out. Don’t add one lonely circle with a single expired promo. Dead links and old events feel like an abandoned feed and a lack of attention to detail. You should be updating your Highlights every quarter or at least making sure they’re still relevant. Archive what’s old, keep what still matters.
Don’t waste your bio
Your bio isn’t just a place to put an inspirational quote or your company's name. It’s a first impression, a mini elevator pitch, and a searchable piece of SEO. Use it to tell people who you are, what you offer, and why they should care.
And if you use emojis in your captions? Add one in your bio, too - this should feel like your social media voice. Also, update your bio links! That “New Launch!” from six months ago? Yeah. Still there.
Don’t post and ghost
You posted. People commented. Respond to every message and comment you can, and fast. Not only is it nice to do, but it also boosts your reach and shows your audience you care. Social media is, wait for it… social.
Don’t delete negative comments (unless they’re offensive)
Deleting legit criticism? Yeah… that can backfire. If someone has a complaint, don’t panic, respond in your brand’s voice. Acknowledge it. Apologize if needed. Offer to make it right. OR, if it fits your tone, say something cheeky, because sometimes a troll needs a little wake-up call. (Obligatory note: be careful, because going too aggressive can backfire just as badly as deleting the comment entirely.) Or take it to the DMs. Just don’t ignore it like it didn’t happen, because your audience always notices when you sweep problems under the rug, and deleting can hurt your brand’s reputation way more than a thoughtful response ever will.
There are, of course, exceptions to this: if a comment is racist, sexist, or aggressively hateful, delete it and block the user, no questions asked. Protect your community and keep your space safe.
Don’t rely only on organic reach
Organic reach is amazing, but it’s not everything. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok limit visibility and reach by design. Think of it like going out to eat… if you can’t afford to tip, maybe don’t dine out. Because tipping isn’t optional if you want good service and a great experience. It’s the same with social media: if you can’t budget to boost posts or run ads occasionally, your organic feed just won’t have the reach it needs to grow.
If you’re serious about growth, plan for boosting posts, running ads, or doing strategic collabs. It’s not “selling out.” It’s smart strategy.
Don’t act like a billboard (it's social media, remember?)
Nobody wants to scroll through nonstop sales pitches, flyers, and promo graphics. If all you do is promote, people will tune out. Mix it up! Things like tips, behind-the-scenes, education, inspiration, or even some good laughs will make your feed seem personable and alive. Be the brand that feels more like a friend than a company.
Don’t play it safe
Yes, brand safety matters. But playing it too safe? That’s how you become invisible. Social is fast-paced. People scroll through dozens of posts in seconds. If you want to stand out, you’ve got to give them a reason to stop. Be bold. Be a little weird. Be memorable.
Not every post will be a hit, and that’s okay! You can always archive it and move on. That’s part of the game. Same goes for Stories… so post more. Don’t just snap the office dog once every six months and call it content (unless your office dog can skateboard, in which case… post immediately).
Use Stories to share the bloopers, the behind-the-scenes, the random little wins, or the stuff that’s too offbeat or chaotic for the feed - but too good to waste. That’s exactly what they’re for, those quick, human moments that make people feel like they’re a part of your team.
Current accounts crushin' the current social game: Away, Airbnb, Auntie Annes Pretzels
Don’t skip accessibility features
Instagram and other platforms let you add closed captions and other accessibility tools, and trust me, they make a huge difference. It’s not just for people who need them. It’s for the mom holding a sleeping baby who wants to watch in silence, or the PA on set scrolling between takes who doesn’t want to accidentally turn sound on. Adding captions means more people can enjoy and engage with your content, no matter the situation. It’s a small step that goes a long way.
Don’t ignore your team’s voice
Your employees are your secret weapon, especially on platforms like LinkedIn. Encourage them to share wins, company updates, and behind-the-scenes content in their own words. And remember, don’t force them to post. It’s their persona and their personal page after all, so it’s totally up to them how (or if) they want to share (just like hiring an influencer!)
Also, they’ve got ideas, they’re scrolling when they’re not at work, too. If they have a cool idea or perspective, let them share it. Because that’s exactly who you’re posting for!
Good brands show up. Great brands connect. Don’t be afraid to be a little flawed, a little bold, a little human. That’s what social media is made for.
So go ahead, keep experimenting, keep connecting, and for the love of social, don’t forget to update that bio link.
Wondering how to get started with social media that actually connects with your followers? Let's talk. Lure Digital is an award-winning video marketing agency in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles dedicated to creatively connecting people to your brand.