Social Media Shenanigans: Planned Posting

Have you ever looked at someone’s social media pages and just felt it was one post and one photo too many? I feel that everyday!! It is highly likely that pre-lockdown many of us would relish swiping through 57 photo’s of my pottery class but lock-down has led to most of our lives being led online. From work, to school, to church and religious meetings, to zoom birthday parties, Teams anniversaries and parent-teacher meetings-you name it, it’s been done online.

You’re probably thinking, “What does she know I get plenty of likes on my 100 photo’s”, but what you’re getting is a click of a button not a connection with your content. And please don’t tell me that you are using any social media platform as a back-up for your photo’s. Worst. Idea. Ever.

Whether you are posting as a business or an individual, you should have a strategic reason for your posts. On top of everything we else we are dealing with, someone should have written the rules about how often I can post. In fact, some people did except those numbers and formulas change so often you can be certain that you are not getting it right. Here are a few things I have adopted to make sure people engage with me and my posts.

Less is more

Yes, it’s so tempting to post all the funny and interesting things that happen to me in a day. Kelsi-isms (all the outrageous things Kelsie says), the so and so who hassled me because I drive an Uber looking car (turns out their kids go to the same school and boy did they blush when they realised it was me and not David the Uber driver), the two super classy people who cut in line while waiting for the vaccine and barista who gave me tepid coffee and I only realised it after I had driven away. SO tempting. Except I’m not that interesting and neither are you. Pick quality over quantity and make sure you have an objective. Post because something is educational, funny, uplifting, inspiring, motivational or promotional. The list goes on. But ask yourself-why am I posting this?

Tacky Tagging

No. Just NO. Tagging relevant people on a shared experience is endearing and expected. Tagging 102 people on a random meme is just exhausting. Stop it. Stop it now.

Oil and Water

If you’re posting some sad news or something serious, then you are done for the day. You can’t then post how you were the thousandth caller on a radio show and won that all expenses paid trip to the Maldives. Must I mourn with you or celebrate with you? Save it for the next day. The good news will still be good tomorrow.

My final thoughts on this would be:

• Do remember that social media algorithms are being tailored to stop the cacophony of senseless chatter and rather supports engagement between their users.

• Do consider some planned posts. Yes it’s great to post some spontaneous things, but plan ahead sometimes. You will thank me.

• Do vary what you post. We get tired of reading about Tommy’ terrible two’s tantrums while he gets his hair cut.