Work Within the Parameters of Each Social Media Platform

Understand Each Platform's Unique Strengths Whether it's the visual appeal of Instagram, the networking focus of LinkedIn, or the conversational style of Twitter, each platform has its own unique way of engaging with audiences. Knowing these strengths allows you to tailor your content to each platform, ensuring your message is delivered in the most effective way possible.

Respect Character Limits Most social media platforms come with character limits. This is noticeable with Twitter's 280-character cap. Did you know LinkedIn and Instagram also have maximum character counts? These two platforms allow you to create more content in a single post, with Instagram allowing 2,200 characters and LinkedIn permitting 3,000 characters. While Facebook allows significantly more characters per post (up to 60,000), it's important to note that lengthy posts can quickly lose your audience’s attention.

These limits are not meant to restrict your creativity but to enhance the user experience by encouraging concise and impactful messaging. Resist the urge to get creative by surpassing these character limits with tricks. I have seen accounts continue their message/story in the comments if they ran out of room. Another tactic I have seen is using text-based carousels with small fonts.

Pro tip: Work within the confines of the platform to communicate clearly and effectively.

When to Consider a Blog Post or E-Newsletter Sometimes, the message you want to convey simply can't fit within the parameters of a social media post. If your message can't be effectively expressed within these character limits, it might be time to consider a blog post or e-newsletter, where you have the space to explore topics in greater detail. By choosing the right medium, you ensure your content is both appropriate and engaging, while also making it easier for your audience to consume and interact with your message.

Content from blogs and e-newsletters is great for repurposing, especially on social media. Pull snippets from these materials to ‘hook’ your audience and encourage them to either go read your full blog post or sign up for your e-newsletter so they can get more detailed information straight to their inbox (instead of having to scroll on social media).

The Importance of Platform Design and User Experience There’s a reason each social media platform was designed the way it was. The user experience is at the heart of these designs, and going against the grain can lead to low engagement and frustrated followers. For example, posting long-winded messages on Twitter or using hard-to-read text on Instagram may result in your content being overlooked. Instead, think outside the box to find creative ways to deliver your message within the platform’s standard capabilities. Ways to do this include using Instagram Stories for quick updates or leveraging LinkedIn’s article feature for in-depth content. By working within the parameters of each social media platform, you respect your audience's time and attention, ultimately leading to better engagement and stronger connections.

Conclusion Need help with your social media content? Reach out to me at kim@kimcoylecontent.com and together we’ll craft a content plan that works for you!

Let me help you tell your unique story!