In Part 1 of the series, we explained how to dive into the social media pool. In Part 2, we’ll cover what to say now that you’re floating in it. Writing for an audience on social media sometimes seems a bit foreign to what many people are used to.
When Writing for Social Media:
1. Research
Research the type of content your audience (or who you hope will be your audience) wants and expects. For example, if you’re a business that provides limousine services, your audience probably isn’t following you to get your thoughts on the current political campaigns. What they might want and expect is info on the specials you’re running, post-wedding reception stories, and tips on the best times for booking limos or tipping. Determine which type of content seems to have consistent popularity among your followers and take a unique approach on a topic to add additional value.
2. Create an Attention-Grabbing Headline
OK, let’s be honest… maybe the headline for this post didn’t have you screaming with excitement, but it did entice you enough to read the post… you’re still reading, right? Whether the headline is straightforward (like ours) or brings in an element of mystery, the key is to just make it compelling enough for people to want to read more.
- Here are some ideas to get you started: 10 Sure-Fire Headline Formulas
3. Open with an Enticing Paragraph
Second hurdle: Getting your reader past the opening paragraph. You only have a few words to convince your reader to read on. Make sure it’s easily scannable and gives a good idea about what the rest of the article is about.
4. Be Conversational
Be social. Put yourself in their shoes. Would you want to read some dry, lengthy article or one where you actually start picturing the author by the way they write? Include the reader in the conversation as if you’re sitting in the same room as them.
5. Be a Resource
Write pieces that act as resources. Leave your reader thinking that the time they spent reading your post was so worth it that they are going to keep coming back for more. Provide links to detailed stats or little-known information. Make your content an in-depth source. This kind of content is oftened linked to and shared.
What to Blog, Post, Tweet About
- Give Inside Information
When people follow you it’s because they want any company news and inside information FIRST! So give it to ‘em!
- Share Your Expertise
In your industry (and maybe others), you ARE the expert. Share your knowledge with your fan base!
- Promote Events
More than 60% of Americans use social media – if you don’t believe us, check out this video. The question is, why wouldn’t you post your events on your social platforms?
- Curate, Re-Tweet, Re-Post
While original content is good, you don’t have to come up with original content in each of your social channels all the time. Social Media is about being social (oh, did you already know that?) and sharing. You Re-Tweet (that’s what the RT is there for) and others will share your posts as well… a very “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” mentality; and who doesn’t love that?
Need more ideas? 20 Different Blog Post Ideas
What NOT to Say
Last but not least, there have been some major Twitter failures. The mistakes are easy and quick to make, but the consequences can be everlasting. Learn from these “Twitter Oops”.
Coming Next
Hopefully this post got you excited and maybe you’re already off to the tweeting races. Who knows, maybe you’ll start a topic that will be trending next week? #DreamBig
Our final post in this series will focus on “Advanced Tips” – social listening, video, promoting in the real world, and much more… so come back!
