When it comes to creating online content, we know how blog posts can become tricky to write. We also know that some of us have a mental block when it comes to content creation for social media pages.
If you are Tweeting twoddle and your Facebook posts are flops, read on for The Digital Studio’s top tips for social media posts and some tricks for when your socials get a little stale.
Quick Tips & Tricks
Just as I’m doing now, condense posts to 140 characters for Twitter or a smaller paragraph for Facebook. Create a little series of “How to” guides for your social media followers. Sharing your knowledge or ideas can inspire others. Also, giving away shareable information is a great way to show up online and create valuable social media posts.
Behind The Scenes
Nothing is perfect all the time, we all know this. If you are guilty of sharing only the prettiest images, then shake-up your content and give your social media followers an insight of your reality by showing them the nitty-gritty. If you usually post pristine pictures of your office, then why not show your readers the aftermath of a team meeting or a productive brainstorming session. Show your followers something you wouldn’t normally – they’ll love you for it.
Also share BTS updates from your business. Are you trying to perfect a particular pose or style within your photography? Then, share this progress with your followers.Use some “before & after” shots or the real-life effort you’re putting into your geekery. Show everyone there’s a real person behind your posts to bring personality to your brand. This type of ‘keeping-it-real content is really relatable for your audience.
Ask A Question
Use your social media followers to your advantage by asking them a burning question that can help you shape what you write about or offer them next. Including your readers in these sort of decision making exercises is a great way to make them feel valued, as well as gaining real feedback at the same time. You can use the information gathered from the answers to create a small batch of content that you already have a captive audience for.
Questions are also great for social media engagement. Ask your audience how their weekend was, what plans they have for the bank holiday, what their top-tips are on a relevant topic or where they would recommend for a bite to eat in their local area – a question can start a great conversation.
Join The Conversation
Hashtags and trending topics are always in your eye line through the Facebook and Twitter home pages. Jump on today’s top trend and join a conversation, share the story, connect with a new follower or brand and try something new.
Hashtag chats/hours are a great way to “meet” new people online, so find your local area chat through Twitter or find a hashtag hour within your niche and connect with people within the same industry or interest group.
DIY Guide / Life Hack
Everybody loves a good old life hack. You know, those little tips that change your everyday life for the better! If you find one or have one you use regularly and you know that your readers could benefit from it – share it!
If you are a cake maker or a crafter and everyone wants to know how you make that signature bake or pom pom, then tell them how you do it through a quick video or social media tutorial. These have a great shareability factor too.
Share The Love
It doesn’t have to be all about you. Share a blog you enjoy reading or a social media account that you enjoy following and ask your crowd to show them some appreciation. You could tweet a shout out or #FollowFriday to your latest followers, share a post and make your own comments on a link from a Facebook friends’ account.
Also, if you meet somebody that inspires you or you enjoy working with a particular client, tell your followers about them. Share the love people! If you take part in a guest blog post or have been featured somewhere, share those links with your followers and support the publication or editorial you’ve been a part of.
And finally…
Try to take the pressure off content creation by planning ahead where you can. If you plan a few posts per week in advance you leave yourself space to add any ad-hoc and in-the-moment posts that inspire you along the way. Mix up posts to keep your content varied and interesting and always remember to respond to any engagement from your audience, no matter how small it is.
Hopefully this blog got your creative cogs turning. If you are looking for more inspiration why not read our recent blog ‘What to Post on Twitter’ here.
The Digital Studios offer training and support to help you keep up-to-date with your website, social media and the latest technology. Get in touch here to find out more.