Top 15 Facebook Post Writing Tips

Posted by admin in Facebook E-Book, How To, Social Media on 04 8th, 2010 | no responses

Writing Techniques for Facebook Posts

1. Keep posts brief, under 140 characters (even on Facebook). Long posts look like work (a huge turn-off), especially when its a stinking ad for a product. People are scanning Facebook, not reading it. Unless you have a vast readership and your content is mega-valuable and relevant to your audience (like if you’re a preacher or a therapist, or money manager)–you may annoy the bejeebers out of your friends with long, unedited posts. This includes long descriptions for the houses you’re hawking. Facebook is not Craigslist or the MLS. Give links to long text, or use notes or your blog for topics needing over 140 (or so) characters.

2. Give details, details, details. Give details about what you’re posting. If you’re going to the store, tell us what store. If you’re washing your dog, tell us your dog’s name. If you are going to dinner with your hubby, share his name and perhaps mention where you’re going, or at least the type of food you’re having. Answer when, what, where and why. This tip goes all the way back to the paragraph format in middle school. Make your statement, give a reason, then give examples. Don’t forget this writing principal–it will help people like you more.

3. Do not type in all caps. Writing in all caps means the same as yelling. It’s okay to emphasize a few words with caps, but don’t use all caps in your posts (unless you mean to yell).

4. Consider your audience. As with any type of writing, you must consider your audience. The posts you make on Facebook go to everyone on your friend list. Make sure you draw people into what you are saying by asking questions, editing and revising with the audience in mind.

5. Write to one person, not a group. Think that you are talking to a person, not a group. Even though you are speaking to your entire network, only one person reads your words at a time. Keep your posts conversational by using personal pronouns and contractions and maintain a relaxed, friendly tone.

6. Avoid vague posts. Write posts that are clear, concise and contain enough details to orient the reader. Vague posts are confusing and irritating. There are better ways to create mystery than to say, “I’m about to be starting something.” If such vague posts fit within your existing content strategy, that’s one thing, but they should be used sparingly, or better yet, not at all.

7. Use proper punctuation. Put periods at the end of sentences. Watch your apostrophes. Steer clear of run-on-sentences. Your post content is a reflection of who you are, and a first impression to many.

8. Go easy on the exclamation points. Do not use exclamation points after every sentence. If absolutely necessary, include one ! per post, but only if it truly adds to the content. If you are really happy about a post, you can add multiple exclamations like this: !!! – Just please don’t put them after every sentence! Like this! Because it looks weird! Makes you look like you’re hiding the truth! What I’m saying is really not exciting! I’m trying to trick you!

9. Ask questions. The best way to get the attention of your readers is to ask questions, or draw them into the topic in some way. Questions make people think and respond with comments–the ultimate goal of any successful social media sales strategy.

10. Tell us how it makes you feel. When you post something on Facebook, such as the fact that your son is getting his first haircut, don’t forget to tell us how that makes you feel. Share your feelings if you wish to come to life and not appear one-dimensional. The more feelings you share, the more real and authentic you’ll appear, and this is irresistibly attractive. Remember, people buy from people they know and like.

11. Don’t show off. It’s okay if you want to tell us how great you are some of the time, but if you overdo it by sharing how rich you are, how thin you are, and overdo how great you are, it makes you look insecure, and turns off the audience.

12. Don’t post about your disdain for others. If you’re mad at your ex-husband, it may make you appear bitter if you post about it too often. If you are truly seeking support, it may be okay to be yourself and share this info with others occasionally, just know that it makes you look bitter, and the goal is to build people up, not make them feel like crap. Avoid turning your network into a toxic waste dump.

13. Share positive emotion in your posts. Good friendships are based on positive emotions. Have you ever had a friend in real life who drained you? Chances are that person brought more negative energy into the friendship than positive. Be a good Facebook friend by keeping the negative aspects of your life between you and your therapist. There are exceptions to this rule, but not many.

14. Keep variety in your posts. Don’t post about the same thing every time, especially if no one is responding or interacting. Use all the posting tools at your fingertips: text, links, photos, videos. Mix up your text posts too, some personal, some value-content, some fun, some current events.

15. If you’re not getting comments, take heed. If you have a lot of friends and are posting regularly on Facebook, but not getting any comments or “likes,” then you may need to reevaluate your posts. Are they interesting? Are they clear and concise? Do they convey emotion? Do they invite interaction? Are they engaging, positive, warm and inviting? The level of engagement you are getting is the best grader of the quality of your posts.

Social media is like a glass window into your character;
if you’re greedy, seedy or needy, we’ll all know it. ~ dotJenna

Do these tips make sense to you? Let me know which is news to you, that you didn’t know about. Maybe something I said seems wrong? Let me know. Also, take a moment to share any rules you’ve made for yourself.

Thanks for reading!

dotJenna
Your Social Media Sales Coach
http://twitter.com/dotjenna
http://www.facebook.com/dotjennafans

Share and Enjoy: