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Social Media Writing Mistakes

Written by Lesley J. Vos | Sep 3, 2014 5:00:00 AM

 

Every brand and every company (no matter how big and popular it is) attempts to grab the attention of as many people as possible online - and social media is as viable as an option as any other channel to do so. 

 

Regardless of all the social media management tools and platforms that are at an enterprise's disposal, sometimes social media success simply comes down to writing - making it crucial for businesses of all sizes to learn how social media writing can hurt their efforts on Facebook and Twitter, specifically. 

 

Your writing mistakes on Facebook

1. You write controversial posts.

 

When companies use current events as part of their social media strategies, they may increase engagement, but it's a trap. Companies should stay clear of commenting, posting or sharing news that has to do with political situations, social problems or religious matters. 

 

Yes, it is good when subscribers comment on your posts and share their opinions, but this trick always fails if it comes to a topic where both sides will never find a compromise. 

 

The only thing you can cause by such posts is making people angry or disappointed, and you will lose many followers in result. 

 

2. Your page is bo-o-o-oring.

 

The worst thing you can do for your social profile is keeping it dead. Make sure that you update your profile regularly, and you come up with really interesting and useful information for your readers. Easy enough, right? 

 

Words mean a lot, but do not forget about pictures and videos as well, because Internet users are always attracted by media, and such a trick as using catchy pictures together with your text will definitely help you grab more social attention. 

 

Your writing mistakes on Twitter

1. Your newsfeed is spammy.

 

You must admit that readers hardly need 20-plus links in a row from you every day. No one will read all of them, and your followers will begin to unsubscribe from your account sooner or later. Write some interesting or funny content in between your links (as long as it is still relevant to brand messaging), make people wait for news from you - 3-6 posts with exact links to some news will be more than enough. 

 

2. Your messages are not personalized.

 

Words and messages mean a lot, and your followers want to see them. That is why, when you post a link, make sure to shorten it and don't be overly clever or cute with abbreviations in your text because your followers may not understand what you mean. 

 

3.  You do not follow your subscribes back.

 

Sure, it's up to you whom to follow on Twitter, but when a person subscribes to your account, some expect that you will do the same in your turn. It's like saying "thank you." Another strategy is to send them a direct message thanking them for following you. If you ignore your subscribers, big chances are that they will leave you sooner or later. 

 

Your general mistakes online

1. Your fake name and photo.

 

People will hardly trust you, if you use a nickname like "Bunny34203" and a photo of some fictional hero from a computer game for example. Do not be shy to show your real face and name for your followers to understand, that you trust them and you are honest with them.

 

2. Your personal messages through your company's profile.

 

The Internet community should feel that you are a real person. Unless you are a big corporation with a world-recognizable name, try not to use your company's profile to contact people. Be honest with them, and try to be accessible. Your followers should see, that they talk to a human, not a robot.

 

Lesley J. Vos is a blogger and novice writer. She works at Bid4Papers company at the moment, writes her first e-book and teaches French to high school students as a private educator.