Short but Tweet: 3 Tips for Smarter Social Media Writing
Short but Tweet: 3 Tips for Smarter Social Media Writing
Did you ever see an ad that read more like a research paper than a call to action?
Have you ever clicked off a website because it was packed border to border with teeny-tiny text?
If Shakespeare were writing today, he might say that brevity is the soul of social media. Here are three quick tips for cutting the fat from social media writing.
Bigger is not always better.
Unless you’re selling equipment that requires a six-figure investment it’s best to choose words that are short but sweet. If perchance you endeavor to exhibit a tendency to utilize immense verbiage in order that you may purvey your wares and offerings, be assured that your current and potential clientele may soon endeavor to procure another source for their intended purchase. Get it? In fact, the rule of thumb is to use the same language you’d use in a face-to-face conversation.
And stay away from the thesaurus, too. Six-syllable words are fine for technical writing and English 201, but not for social media.
Get to the point.
When it’s time to send social media messages, don’t turn the reader off with an overly long explanation or grandiose justifications. Get right to the point, whether you’re announcing a product launch or asking for feedback.
There are times, of course, when some background info is needed, like a blog entry that addresses a corporate crisis. Otherwise, save the back story for more appropriate channels.
But be careful!
Cut too many words for the sake of brevity and you’ll come off sounding like a Dick and Jane book. What’s more, extreme brevity can be perceived as unprofessional. That’s why it’s important not to fire off Tweets, blog entries, or other social media messages without taking a moment for review. Will the message make sense to the targeted audience? Does it represent your brand in the proper way? Hit the “send” button only after you’re sure the message sends the right, well, message.
The corporate blog is just one part of an engaging and effective social media plan. To learn more about social media strategy or for a risk-free assessment of your online reputation and presence, contact the experienced analysts at Social Strategy1.