Writing for social media is unlike writing for any other content channel. Your words have to resonate with an audience that is immune to the hard sell, savvy to marketing lingo, eager to get to the point, and inundated with messaging from a thousand other sources.
Your job as a communicator is to write content that keeps all these points in mind while engaging and growing your audience. At first glance, this may seem like a tricky task, but there is hope. Nolan Wilson, manager of content development at WhiteSpace, shares some rules that you need to keep in mind when writing for social media. By keeping these points in mind, you will be on your way to creating better online content.
- Be real. Establish a genuine voice that is relatable.
- It's not always about you. Not every post needs to be about you or your service. Comment on other posts, or share thoughts about current events.
- Offer a unique perspective. Stand out from the crowd.
- Messaging needs to match the channel. Construct your content within the social norms of the platform.
- Share great content. Enhance your level of social engagement.
- Visuals increase engagement. Enough said.
- Diversify your messages. Change things up and avoid boring your audience.
- Give people a reason to engage. Be entertaining and informative.
- Make content timely. Timely and relevant content will increase levels of engagement.
- Analytics don't lie. Track your progress so you know how you're doing.
Learn more about becoming a great communications writer with PR News' Writers Guidebook, available now.
Follow Nolan Wilson: @Nolson17
Follow Richard Brownell: @rickbrownell
Write the best content. Take time crafting your post and make it trustworthy. If you’re posting about an important topic, like a news topic, be sure to reference legitimate sources.
Write the best content. Take time crafting your post and make it trustworthy. If you’re posting about an important topic, like a news topic, be sure to reference legitimate sources.