5 Mistakes Small Businesses Make on Facebook (and How to Fix Them)

Alexa Basina
May 9
2 min read

Facebook remains one of the most powerful platforms for small businesses to connect with their audience—but many aren’t using it to its full potential. In fact, a few common mistakes could be costing you visibility, engagement, and ultimately, customers.

Here are 5 mistakes small businesses make on Facebook—and how to fix them.

1. Ignoring the Power of a Branded Page

The mistake: Many small businesses treat their Facebook page like a personal profile or leave it half-finished.

Why it matters: Your Facebook page is often the first impression potential customers get. A poorly branded or incomplete page can instantly reduce trust.

The fix:

Use a high-quality profile picture (your logo) and a compelling cover photo.
Write a clear and benefit-driven “About” section.
Include a strong call-to-action (CTA), like “Book Now” or “Send Message.”

2. Posting Inconsistently (or Not at All)

The mistake: Posting randomly or going silent for weeks at a time.

Why it matters: Facebook’s algorithm favors active pages. Inconsistent posting means lower visibility and missed engagement opportunities.

The fix:

Create a simple content calendar to stay consistent.
Use scheduling tools like Meta Business Suite, Buffer, or Later.
Aim for at least 3–4 value-driven posts per week.

3. Only Promoting, Never Providing Value

The mistake: Every post is a sales pitch.

Why it matters: People don’t scroll Facebook to be sold to—they’re looking to connect, learn, and be entertained.

The fix:

Use the 80/20 rule: 80% value, 20% promotion.
Share tips, client stories, behind-the-scenes, or answer FAQs.
Mix in video content, polls, or questions to boost engagement.

4. Ignoring Comments and DMs

The mistake: Leaving followers on “seen” or failing to respond to comments.

Why it matters: Engagement is a two-way street. Ignoring your audience hurts trust—and the algorithm.

The fix:

Reply to every comment, even with a simple “Thank you!”
Set aside 10–15 minutes a day to check notifications and respond.
Use auto-reply features to let people know when you’ll respond.

5. Not Using Facebook Ads Effectively

The mistake: Boosting random posts without a strategy or target.

Why it matters: Facebook Ads are powerful—but when misused, you waste money with little ROI.

The fix:

Run ads with a clear goal (traffic, leads, conversions).
Target a specific audience based on location, interests, or behavior.
Start small, test different creatives, and track performance in Ads Manager.

Final Thoughts

Facebook can be a goldmine for small businesses—but only when used strategically. By avoiding these common mistakes and staying consistent, engaging, and value-focused, you can turn your page into a client-generating machine.

📌 Want help optimizing your Facebook presence? Let’s chat—DM me or visit TheDigitalMillennial.com to book a discovery call.