Cupid’s favourite month is here, with Valentine’s Day bringing a celebration of love and a flurry of red roses onto supermarkets shelves. Whilst the dating and digital marketing worlds may seem vastly different, they are both, fundamentally, about making strong connections and presenting the best version of yourself. Your perfect customer could be just a few clicks away from swiping right on your socials and generating an enquiry, but there’s one thing they will judge you on first: your profile!
Much like a dating profile, your social media profile offers an inside look into who you are, your values and your unique aesthetic. In other words, it’s a chance for your business to stand out from the crowd and make a memorable impression.
However, from giving mixed signals to unintentionally catfishing, there’s certain behaviours you should avoid to ensure you’re consistently attracting new and existing customers. So, let’s take a look at your social media profile (or dating profile) and see how it stacks up against OCOCO’s list of red flags!
🚩 Non-Existent Bio
Not writing a bio on a dating app is a crime, and your socials are no different! Your bio is likely to be the first thing your audience sees when they visit your profile, and you only get one chance to make a first impression. It should captivate and engage potential customers from the get-go, so don’t leave them guessing about who you are.
Think of your bio as a chance to skip any awkward small talk—it’s the perfect place to draw out key information about your business. So, give a clear and concise description of what you do, how you do it and what sets you apart, while staying authentic and positive. No one wants to waste time with vague or cryptic messages!
Also, don’t forget to include contact information, such as a phone number or a link to your website. This will enable users to take their interest in your brand to the next level and easily follow up.
🚩 Media quality as low as a ghoster’s excuses
Nobody likes to admit it, but the most important element in your dating profile is your photos. If your images are blurry, low-resolution or don’t match your vibe, users will swipe left faster than you can say “red flag.” This also applies to social media: without high-quality visuals, your profile risks being overlooked.
Be sure to include your logo in your profile picture and choose a cover image that aligns with your branding. Skipping this step will prevent you from establishing a strong, consistent identity across your socials.
Let’s face it—nobody likes being catfished!
Therefore, always share high-resolution images to offer an authentic and honest glimpse into who you are. You don’t need to be a professional photographer to create high-quality content; a smartphone, good lighting and a clean background are all you need. Your goal is to showcase your brand, products, and services in the best possible light—both literally and figuratively!
Also, when creating content, don’t be afraid to mix it up to keep your page fresh and engaging. Don’t just stick to sharing photographs—experiment with videos, custom graphics and other dynamic media. Balance sales-driven posts with community-focused content that’s fun, relatable and a reflection of your brand’s unique personality. For instance, showcasing the people at the heart of your business not only humanises your brand, but it will also generate great engagement. Sharing these personal touches helps your audience feel connected and more likely to interact.
🚩 All Aboard the Bore Train
We’ve all experienced meeting someone new whose conversation is as exciting as a wooden spoon: dry, boring and lacking any spark. If that’s the impression your social media presence is giving off, don’t expect your audience to stick around for long.
You should infuse passion into every post. Speak enthusiastically about your products or services, actively engage with your followers and always respond positively to user-generated content.
Don't forget to also tailor your tone to your audience—question whether you're educating or entertaining—and make sure your writing is both professional and grammatically sound. Confidence is magnetic, so let your brand's personality shine through. When you do, your brand will leave a lasting impression and create a real connection with your audience.
🚩 Clinging to the Past
Imagine this: you come across a dating profile where their photos look like they were taken a decade ago, paired with a bio filled with outdated references. You’d probably wonder if the person is even active on the app anymore.
If your business profile features outdated information—like expired promotions, old services or a former logo—your audience will have the same reaction. They'll question whether you're still in business or if you're just hanging on to the past.
That’s why it’s crucial to keep your social media content fresh, aligned with your current offerings and reflective of your brand's evolution. When your content is up-to-date, it demonstrates to your audience that you're in tune with the latest trends, engaged with your community and running a business that’s as forward-thinking as they are.
Plus, outdated content can also damage your visibility on social media. Regularly posting exciting, relevant updates not only keeps your brand in front of a wider audience but also keeps your followers in the loop with what's new in your business and your industry. Stay current, stay visible and watch your brand thrive!
🚩 Replying at a Snail's pace
The number one sign that they’re just not that into you? Slow, half-hearted replies. Don’t let your customers feel this way!
First, ensure you have the right resources in place to manage all your social media platforms; regularly check in to stay on top of messages and comments so that your followers don’t feel ignored.
Just like in dating, good communication is key to building a successful relationship. When you respond to customer enquiries or comments, take the time to show you care. Personalise your replies and address their specific concerns or questions. For example, instead of a simple "thanks for your comment," ask them about their experience or offer them additional information relevant to their needs. This helps build a strong relationship with your audience, showing that you value their opinions.
Also, use the same approach when responding to negative comments! Saying "sorry for your experience” without acknowledging the issue doesn’t resolve anything. It’s like giving a half-hearted response in a conversation—people will see right through it. Show that you’re willing to listen, understand and take action. Providing a genuine, thoughtful response will not only improve customer relationships, but they also enhance your brand’s credibility.
🚩 “I just don’t know what I want”
The most frustrating person to meet on a dating app? The one who has no idea what they want but keeps stringing you along until they figure it out. Alternatively, people who are upfront about their intentions—whether it’s something casual or more serious—are much easier to connect with. The same goes for your digital marketing strategy. If you don’t know what you’re aiming for, how can you expect to achieve meaningful results?
Content with no clear direction, message or call-to-action (CTA) will leave your audience unsure of what to do next and they’ll likely lose interest. To avoid this, take time to define your goals and align your content with them.
For example, if you're promoting a product, make sure your content encourages your audience to take a specific action—whether that’s making a purchase, visiting your website or engaging with your post.
Just like a dating profile with unclear intentions leaves you wondering where you stand, content without direction can cause missed opportunities. Consistency in your messaging and tone helps your audience understand what they can do and why it matters. With clear goals and purposeful, actionable CTAs, you’ll be able to see and track the results you want.
🚩 Ghosting
What does a serial dater and online audience have in common? They hate being ghosted.
BOO! Ghosting is when someone severs communication without an explanation, and it’s a flaming red flag!
Social media is a two-way conversation, and to build meaningful relationships with your audience you must communicate regularly and effectively.
Brands can unintentionally ghost their followers by posting sporadically, neglecting user-generated content or ignoring customer messages. This behaviour suggests that your brand doesn’t value its audience and is a passive voice in your industry.
Whether in love or on social media, consistency is key! If you disappear for weeks or months at a time, your audience will inevitably forget about you. Responding to comments, answering questions and acknowledging feedback are key to keeping the conversation going, while posting frequently will keep your brand at the forefront of your audience's minds. Don't leave your followers hanging—stay present, be responsive and keep the conversation alive!
Want to learn the love language of successful social media marketing?
For expert help reaching your target customers, growing your online audiences and driving enquiries and sales, contact OCOCO Media today for a complimentary consultation.
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