Social media is a great way to connect with an audience, giving you opportunities to be in front of and engaging with your clients, potential customers, and employees. It can also expose your business to a whole new group of people. But that exposure is most valuable when it serves to solidify who you are as a company. Every social media post should show your audience why you’re the one they should contact. When our message is clearly communicated, spellchecked and grammar checked, and on-brand, we build confidence with our readers and show them we are trustworthy. Typos, grammar and spelling errors, an unclear tone, or something said in an off-brand manner can turn people away. 

Before you hit publish/post, take an extra five minutes to proofread ONE MORE TIME and ask yourself the following three questions:

1. Is this post free from common errors? Look for grammar and spelling errors. Most social media platforms use the same error signifiers as our text apps and word processing programs so if Instagram has underlined a word in your post, figure out why and fix it. Look at capitalization and use of punctuation. Make sure your sentences are complete and verbs and nouns agree. Also check your company style guide. Social media posts do not need to be formal. In fact, much of what is on social media appeals to us because it sounds like we are connected in a real life conversation. So write how you talk as long as it doesn’t detract from your actual message. 

2. Is my language, tone, and specific word choices making my message clear for the reader? Your point is to communicate to your audience. If you are using language specific to your industry, it is widely understood by your readers? Also, check to make sure there is nothing in your post that can be taken out of context or read in an unintended way. If there is, take a minute to rewrite what you’re saying to be clear and succinct. As much as I love to use sarcasm or double entendre in my everyday speaking, it doesn’t always translate online. (Phrasing!! Anyone an Archer fan??)

3. Is this post on-brand with my company values? You can make almost anything relevant to your brand and business as long as you make sure what you are saying is in line with your company’s larger values. If you choose to comment on current events, do so with language and tone that maintains the integrity of your brand. That same rule applies to word choices or the level of irreverence you might choose. Make sure your intentions to be funny or clever are universally understood as such and meets the expectations of your company overall. (Unless it is your actual job to be an instigator, in which case, let’s have lunch!) 

If you want another set of eyes on your scheduled social media posts, I would love to be your proofreader.  Or if you’re looking to codify your social media persona, shoot me an email and let’s see if we can work together to help you build a consistent social media voice.