You also need to decide what kind of content you want to create, and as a result where you will post it. There is a lot of overlap between different social media websites, but each content type has a primary platform that most people use for that content. Take some time and explore the different options that are out there to see what you are interested in. If you want to focus on images with catchy captions, try Instagram. Short form videos are mostly hosted on TikTok, although Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube all have their own versions of short form content as well. YouTube continues to be the place for long form video content. If you want to work in text, you should check out Twitter or BlueSky for shorter posts and Reddit for longer ones.

Creating Effective Written Content

Social media is about sharing your ideas and connecting with others; text posts are a key way to do that. But in a sea of posts, how do you make your words stand out and gain attention? The best way is to be clear, engaging, and like we discussed above, know your audience.

Keep it Short and Sweet

Scrolling happens quickly on most social media platforms, so make sure you get to the point fast. Use short sentences and avoid long winded paragraphs to make your posts easy to read. Your post is like a newspaper headline, it needs to grab attention right away.

Use Engaging Language

Tailor what you say to ensure your desired audience is engaged with the post. Are you looking for information or want to make them think? Ask a thought-provoking question! Want to make them laugh? Tell a funny story! Use words that make your readers feel exactly what you want them to feel; excitement, curiosity, or even a little bit of surprise. And before you post, proofread! No one wants to see spelling mistakes, it distracts from the message.

Utilizing Hashtags and Keywords

Hashtags (#) and keywords act as labels that help people find specific posts. Use relevant hashtags to connect with others who have similar interests. Keywords are what people search for, so do your best to naturally include them in your post.

Creating Effective Audio/Visual Content

Another way to share your thoughts and ideas through social media is by sharing videos or other audio content like podcasts. You can make short form videos for quick and easy engagement, or longer videos and podcasts to dive deeper into a selected topic. Whatever you chose, make sure you consider the following ways to make it engaging for your audience:

Visual Appeal

Prioritize quality over quantity with your visuals, Ensure the subject for your picture is well-lit and in focus, and any videos are clear and steady. Make sure the frame is appropriate for the platform you’ll be posting on; Instagram favors vertical videos while YouTube is ideal for a wider, landscape lens. Experiment with different styles, techniques, and mixing of visuals to keep your audience engaged. Use in-app or third-party editing tools to adjust brightness, enhance colors, and add any visual effects that help increase your content engagement and tone.

Audio Clarity

Any content that includes audio needs to be mixed correctly. If you’re looking to make videos or podcasts, invest in a high quality microphone and some editing software. Add background music or sound effects to enhance the listeners experience, but make sure you don’t overpower the primary audio. Add captions to your videos to make them accessible to all viewers.