Where to start when writing for social media

Social media have recently exploded onto the business scene. Pace has joined the online social scene and discovered that writing with limited characters for an interactive audience is, in a sense, different.

Want to be a better social media writer for your brand or company? What’s the best platform to deliver online content? How do you know what information will be useful for your audience? It takes a bit of observation and practice, but the best way to learn is to jump head first into social cyberspace.

Here are 5 tips to becoming a better social media writer:

1. Remember you’re writing for humans, not search engines
Your social media followers choose to follow you, so they already know what you’re all about. Keep track of what your readers are talking about in their own social streams. Follow those that are interested in you on other social media channels to figure out the latest buzz.

2. Be brief and use short words
The difference between email and social media chatter is length. If you need to go into detail send out an extended and personal email. Or better yet, talk face to face. Social media is useful because the message is short and shareable. Use monosyllabic words and think in simple thoughts.

3. Think about the mobile platform
It’s important to keep in mind that audiences are quickly moving to mobile devices which means smaller screens. Using short words and phrases allows text to flow more smoothly and not break over page margins. As with newspapers and web pages, keep it “above the fold.”

4. Creating a dialogue is key
Social media are social! This means you want to find ways to get a response and engage with your readers. An easy way to create conversation is through questions. Get people thinking and create a comfortable environment for them to join in the mix.

5. Be interesting!
Be sure to write your content so it’s easy on the eye by using white space and breaking up text. Move from point to point quickly stating only the important information. Be entertaining in your message and tell a story.

Posted By: Bettina Johnson