A social media post that people share offers real value: it earns trust, backs its points with data, answers the readers' questions, has a strong headline, and is long enough to be useful without repeating itself. Here is how to write one.
Keeping up with the latest posting tactics is not easy, but it is not rocket science either. Some platforms limit the length of a post, while others leave you room for longer updates. Whatever the platform, remember that word count matters less than valuable content.
Write something people want to share
A post worth sharing has the kind of value that makes people pass it on to their colleagues and friends. Here is the recipe.
Build trust
When a post is not limited in length, you have room for references and sources that back up what you say. They show your audience that you are reliable, and that earns you their trust.
Show your data
Numbers make a post more credible, and your readers are smart: they appreciate facts they can check. Find creative ways to present your data, for example in a short list or a simple chart.
Stick to the reason you are posting
Posting on social networks is not just about pushing your brand. Stick to the purpose of your post, but keep your readers in mind. The best way to do that is to find out their questions and concerns before you write, and then answer them in the post.
Make your headline count
Your headline should be compelling, and it should also be one that people can respect: they should have no reason to take a screenshot of it and share it as a joke. Make sure that you use apostrophes correctly, and run your post through the Spell Checker to catch any spelling errors you might have missed.
Make posts long, but do not overdo it
A longer post gives you room for more useful content, but be smart about it. Length alone is never the point: quality is. People may see your post, but if they do not like it, they will not bother to share it.
Do not repeat yourself
It is easy for writers to repeat ideas just to reach a certain length. Don't. Do not force the content: keep it fresh and valuable. Then, at the very end, edit brutally for grammar errors.
Those are the main tips for writing social media posts that your readers will like and share. For more on writing for a company's channels, read these social media writing tips for businesses.