Social media platforms are a powerful way to connect with potential customers and engage with your audience. But if you're not careful, your social media copy can fall flat and fail to drive the results you're looking for. Creating effective social media copy requires a combination of creativity, strategy, and careful attention to detail. To help you create effective social media copy, here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind:
DO: Know Your Audience
One of the most important things you can do when writing social media copy is to understand your audience. Who are they, what do they care about, and what motivates them? By taking the time to understand these factors, you can tailor your copy to resonate with your audience and increase engagement.
DON'T: Use Jargon
Using industry jargon or technical terms can make your copy hard to understand and alienate your audience. Keep your language simple and clear, and avoid using words that your audience may not be familiar with.
DO: Use Visuals
Social media is a highly visual medium, so incorporating eye-catching visuals into your copy can help increase engagement. Whether it's photos, videos, or graphics, visuals can help your content stand out in a crowded feed.
DON'T: Overuse Hashtags
While #hashtags can be a powerful way to increase visibility and reach on social media, overusing them can make your content look spammy and unprofessional, and suggest you are simply chasing ‘likes’. Stick to a few relevant hashtags and avoid overloading your posts with them.
DO: Use Calls to Action
A calls to action (CTAs) can help guide your audience towards the action you want them to take, whether it's clicking through to your website or signing up for your email list. Be clear and specific about what action you want your audience to take, and make it easy for them to do so.
DON'T: Use Clickbait Headlines
Clickbait headlines may get clicks, but they can damage your credibility and make your audience feel deceived. Avoid using sensational or misleading headlines and instead focus on creating honest and compelling copy.
DO: Keep it Short and Sweet
Social media users have short attention spans, so keeping your copy short and to the point is essential. Focus on conveying your message in as few words as possible, while still being clear and engaging.
DON'T: Ignore Grammar and Spelling
Poor grammar and spelling mistakes can make your brand look unprofessional and careless. Take the time to proofread your copy and ensure it's free of errors. Double check or even triple check copy before publishing!
DO: Test and Measure
One of the best things about social media is the ability to test and measure your content to see what works best. Experiment with different copy, visuals, and calls to action to see what resonates with your audience and drives the best results. Set aside time at least every few weeks to examine your statistics.
DON'T: Ignore Your Brand Voice
While it's important to tailor your copy to your audience, it's also essential to stay true to your brand voice and values. Your social media copy should reflect your brand's personality and tone, and remain consistent across all channels.
By following these dos and don'ts, you can craft copy that engages your audience, drives results, and helps you achieve your social media goals.
Do you need help with social media copywriting? Contact us on (02) 9825 9600 to organise a brainstorming session for your brand or business.