Writing for Social Media

Social Media. It’s large and in charge … and it certainly is showing no signs of going anywhere.

A lot of people get it. Quite a few don’t. There are companies doing social media well … and some who don’t have a clue where to start.

That’s why I’m here to help you get started writing for social media, sharing tips I’ve learned along the way to help me maximize my online presence and earn the trust of those willing to hear.

To begin …

Get clear on what you want to say. What are you passionate about? What could you spend hours talking about without ever skipping a bit? What’s it that interests you? Write about that. Because odds are, if you’re interested in something, there’s someone else out there who is, too. And if you’re trying to build your brand, the best place to start is always with what you know.
Do your research. Your audience won’t notice or engage with your social media posts if you come across as not knowing what you’re talking about. Become the expert in your field … share what you know. And back it up with facts. Doing so helps you earn the trust of your audience.
Find your voice. You want your social media branding to have a voice … a way of saying things, both in print and verbally, that is consistent and in line with your branding. Talk with your audience … don’t talk to them. Engage in conversation—true conversation—with the clients you have or hope to one day have. This is where relationship (and loyalty) is built.
Keep it simple. Think about your day and how fleeting your own time is. How much time do you have to devote to social media each day? How long do you spend reading a tweet, responding to a Facebook or Instagram post, or scanning a blog? Odds are if you’re super busy, so is the rest of the world. Make sure that what you post online takes in to consideration the time constraints of others. You have precious few seconds of their time to make an impact. Choose your words and subject matter well, keeping it short, simple, and to the point.
Don’t forget the visuals. Bullet points, images, infographics, and videos are always a bonus. True story: I’m a “scanner” when it comes to my online consumption. I scan posts and blogs, trying to extract the most important information I possibly can in the quickest time possible. Photographs, short videos, infographics, and bullet points make it easier for me to digest content on the go. Make sure to make it as easy as possible for your audience to leave your social media posts with the take-aways you want them to have.
Stay positive with your messaging. In a world where so many are hiding behind keyboards with negative opinions and judgment, be the difference you’d like to see in the world. Offer upbeat and encouraging information. Share your knowledge with your audience as if you were sharing with a friend over coffee, dinner, or drinks. Respect your audience with the information and story you’re trying to share …