Rules of Thumb for Social Media Updates

In the last two days I have been asked the rules of thumb for social media updates at least as many times. Seems there are a lot of questions about the “right” way to post to social media. The answer is that there are some rules of thumb that I follow with my social media and that of my clients.

Rules of thumb for social media updates: 

• Identify your target audience: For a long time I thought my target audience was business owners – which it is – and there are a fair number of writers that follow me too. That means my posts are a mix that appeals to both audiences.
• Frequency is dependent on your audience. I don’t do more than two posts per business day to Facebook or Google+, four tweets and that may include retweets. In other words, get the information out to your audience but don’t inundate them with too much in one day.
• 80% of social media posts are about the industry or area of expertise for the business. For example, on McAuley Freelance Writing Facebook page I post articles and quotes relevant to writers and business owners. They are my audience and my target client.
• 10% are what I like to call “buy my crap” posts. What I mean is that they are sales-y posts about your products, services, upcoming events and other items directly about your business.
• 10% may not be directly related to your business. People love quotes and pictures. I post inspirational quotes and photos that I think business owners would find interesting; it’s off the mark of my business while at the same time it speaks to my audience.
• Repurpose posts to all platforms: Use your blog post and title on several platforms (Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, etc.). Then take a relevant sentence from the same blog post and use on social media on a different day. You’re using the same information in different ways. You audience will more than likely not see it on all platforms in every form so it is an opportunity to reach them in different ways and at different times.

These rules of thumb for social media updates are a great place to start, to build your audience and to see what works for you and your business. I look forward to hearing from you about your social media efforts!

McAuley Freelance Writing helps businesses get noticed online through content marketing including blogging, copywriting and social media. We like to say we’re Word Stylists. While celebrity stylists help their clients find their public style with clothes, hair and make-up, we help our clients find their style with words and messaging. Call us at 480-206-6452 to learn more about how we help businesses.