While it is the least expensive and easiest way to promote your business, social media isn’t always straightforward when it comes to putting together perfect posts.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a “cheat sheet” of a five-point checklist I follow every time I post. Following these questions for my posts has seen the engagement rates of my clients’ social media accounts rise, even during the changes the different platforms have made.
Does This Post Convey The Message You Want?
When posting, you always need to think about the message you’re trying to convey. If you’re building up to a big product launch, how does the post help you get to that goal? If you’re talking about an important subject, does the post help that conversation?
For example, on Pyrois Media’s social media my goal is to let people know more about myself and the company while also providing some advice. I have a weekly calendar that I stay pretty close to so my followers know what topics I’m going to cover (i.e. Monday is the day I post new blogs, Wednesday is #WednesdayWisdom, and Saturday is #Earsoftheweek), giving my pages consistency.
One thing that I personally am focused on is making Pyrois Media’s social space an educational place to be. Tuesdays are the only day I really push my business and Fridays are now the day I post a brief review of that week’s work. Sure, social media is there to promote your business but I don’t like it when I feel like a page is consistently trying to sell me stuff so I try not to do that on any page I manage.
What Purpose Does It Serve?
One big question I ask myself with every post is “how is this helping my followers?” This is a serious question but doesn’t always have a serious answer. Sometimes the answer is just to give followers a laugh, other times it’s to promote a new service, and at times it is to share a piece of wisdom.
It shouldn’t be too hard to come up with the answer for this but at the same time, it shouldn’t always be too simple of an answer. Don’t feel like you have to take your page seriously all the time but also remember that people are on your page because they want to know more about your company and what you have to say.
How Are Your Photos?
We’ve talked about the importance of photos before but remember that your photos need to attract attention. I’m not talking about having professional photos all the time but I am talking about photos that make your business and/or product look as appealing as possible.
If the horse you’re trying to sell looks like his head is three times the size of his body or the food you’re advertising looks like it will go bad before it gets out of your kitchen, hit delete (or share it only with your personal friends as a joke). Most phones take very good social media quality photos so you don’t usually need to worry about photo quality, but you do need to put thought into the composition of the photo. As I’ve said before, no photo is better than a bad photo. On that same vein, make sure that the photo you’re using is one you’re allowed to … nothing spoils a post you’re excited about like having to take it down because the wrong photo was used.
Is There A Plan Behind This Post?
Going back to points one and two, WHY are you making this post? Are you using it to promote a coming product or sale? Or is it a standalone post?
Neither is a wrong answer but you do need to approach the post differently depending on the answer.
If it’s a standalone post, what is the aim? Are you doing it to share something you found funny or just sharing a random fact that came to your mind? Make sure you can explain to yourself (or others, if you’re running their social media) before you decide to post it.
Is the post part of a series? If yes, then make sure it fits your overall goal. The most successful way to do this is to create a plan at the beginning of your promotion and stick to it. If you can, scheduling all the posts at the same time will also help you keep a continuity of tone in the buildup.
Are You Having Fun?
Social media management isn’t always fun but you should enjoy the posts you come up with 90 percent of the time. If you find it to be work day in and day out, followers will be able to tell from your tone and it is one of the fastest ways to hurt your page.
Remember that social media is there to be enjoyed just as much as it is there to help you promote your business. It is always preached that you need to post all the time, but if you need a break and don’t have someone you can turn social media over to, don’t worry about it. In the long run, taking that break will benefit your page more than continuing to push on with non-engaging posts.
If you aren’t sure where to start on getting social media accounts up and running, Pyrois Media offers both social media consulting and management services. Email Melissa@PyroisMedia.com for more information.
Have a topic you’d like to see covered here? Email Melissa@PyroisMedia.com with your suggestions and you could see it in a future blog!