Writing Social Media Copy: 18 Tips To Get People Talking

BONUS 50 FREE Done-For-You Engagement Questions for Social Media Do you have what it takes? For some, writing is an innate trait that they've harnessed and honed over the years. For others, it's a learned skill. No matter how far along you are in your entrepreneurial journey, you're probably still looking for ways to improve your writing skills more efficiently, whether that's for social media platforms, email marketing or writing a blog post. If you want to learn to write social media copy that converts to leads and sales, read on...

It stands to reason that entrepreneurs need to be as efficient with their time as possible, making sure they are getting the most value out of every minute.

"Time is money."- Benjamin Franklin.

Social media is a fun place to connect with family and friends, and build communities, but don't forget to make it work for your business too. 85% of small businesses report growing customers by using social media platforms.

However, if your content lacks quality, people will lose interest in what you are sharing. People are more likely to like or comment on quality, rather than mediocre or dull content.

Being active on social media platforms is not enough to convert followers into sales. Engagement is everything when you want to build your business, and for this, you need great, punchy copy.

You can tailor your content to promote your brand and values and make sure you achieve your goals faster than ever, but make sure you do it in a way that is empathetic to your followers for the best results.

18 Tips for Writing High Converting Social Media Copy

Eighteen tips for building compelling copy. What should we do to make our posts more effective?

Here are eighteen best ways to create social marketing copy that converts.

1. Be yourself

It's important to have a human touch with your brand online. Make sure the tone reflects who you are as a person. Use your own voice as your brand voice. The people behind a business are what make them relatable and trustworthy, if customers feel that connection with the business on a personal level, they're more likely to buy from them.

Don't try and be someone you're not. It's common sense. When creating your brand personality or voice that will be used in your social advertising message, whether in the form of a blog post or written copy for social media or ads, be genuine and authentic.

It can make a huge difference in getting your audience's attention - and holding it to increase engagement.

2. Tell a story

The stories we tell can help you create a more lasting impression, especially in Facebook posts where your content can be a bit longer.

Make sure that you are connecting your social media message to your brand and values when writing your stories. You'll have a much better chance of connecting with different audiences and improving engagement.

Have you noticed how large brands use real people sometimes to show that their efforts help genuine people on real issues? Such examples add credibility to the brand message. Seeing real people in social ads is a good example of a way to draw attention when users scroll down their feed on social networks. Why not try this by telling a true story about how you have helped a customer or client?

When you create stories, make sure they finish in a way that gives the reader something to take action on.

Include a call to action to get link clicks from your compelling copy.

Improve engagement by leading them to read the full story elsewhere.

3. Write for the audience on social platforms

When you write for your audience, speak to them like a friend. Be empathetic and give them what they want – information that matters to them.

Do your research and find out what your audience wants, then deliver it in a way that is interesting, unique, or amusing. Content that makes people feel good increases engagement rates.

4. Be selective about the words you use

Pay attention to the words you choose to use. Choose words that are easily understood. Keep it snappy, too, if possible.

Ensure that you are using words that are appropriate for the social network you use. Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin all have different styles of writing, so be sure to accommodate them.

It is also important to keep an eye on what your competition is doing on social media. You can see how they are communicating with their target audience based on how they are using words. Sometimes short sentences can convey a message better than a thousand words.

5. Use the right social media platform for your message

Which platform you decide to use depends on which audience you want to reach. Different platforms have different features and benefits, so choose the one that is best suited for your needs. If you sell products, Instagram will work better than LinkedIn. However, there is no harm in trying different platforms and seeing what works for you.

If your message is very specific to a certain group of people or industry, you may be better off limiting it to the platforms they use, so that they are more likely to buy from you.

6. Remember your purpose in your social media strategy

The digital sales pipeline provides different stages of the sales process. Be sure to write a variety of posts talking to people who are at different buying stages. One message does not fit all situations.

Remember your purpose - what is your vision for the end? Write copy that steers your readers towards that goal.

7. Create brand guidelines for social media copy

Brand guidelines allow you to align your messages and streamline the content you share across all of your online channels.

These guidelines will allow you to stay true to your brand values while you're on social media, which will improve how users see you as a business.

What is a brand guideline?

This is a set of standards you can use to create and write your marketing media copy. These guidelines will help with the final outcome as it ensures that everything looks and feels consistent.

Building effective brand guidelines can seem complicated at first, but once they are in place, you will be able to create effective copy in less time.

Comprehensive brand guidelines can help with writing social media content. Your guidelines will become your go-to resource for creating posts.

There are six main components of a brand guideline:

• Social Media Profile - This is where you'll share information about the company.

• Online Style Guide - This is your logo, colors, fonts, and more.

• Posts Examples - Examples to use as a starting point to create your own posts.

• Brand Voice & Tone Guides - You need to know what tone of voice you're using, so you can use it consistently across all your social accounts.

• Social Media Ad Copy Templates - Create templates that can be used to create ads for different types of platforms. These can include your own hashtags.

• Social Media Advertising Standards Guide - These guidelines will help with the final outcome as it ensures that everything looks and feels consistent, and mean you'll never have to worry about what content to share on which platform again.

Once you've created your brand guidelines, use them every time you want to create a new post.

How will you make use of these tips? Do share!

What works for you when writing copy for social media?

Hop on over to our Blogs by Jarvis Facebook Group and tell us!

8. Oh, and don't forget to proofread

Users tend to notice even the smallest error. Whilst some mistakes can be endearing as they make you seem more human, an error in communication can significantly distort your message.

There are many online writing services like Grammarly or ProWritingAid that give you a quick reference guide to edit and proofread the readability you want in a piece of content. These can be helpful to have set up before you start writing, and they will help you create better marketing content that is readable for your audience.

When putting together your social media copy, don't rush to post it right away.

A preview might show errors you have not noticed or show you that you might want to format it in a different way. You can add emojis and make minor modifications before publishing.

9. Test copy length for performance

Some social media specialists say longer copy is better. Split testing can help you determine what style of copy the users of different social media networks prefer. Try writing different pieces of copy and test the performance in terms of response rate.

This will help you decide how much or how little copy to include in your posts.

Want to master writing social posts?

Just being able to write killer copy is not enough; you must learn how to create online content that will work for your business and generate leads, customers, and sales across your chosen social media channels.

Why does it matter if you write well on social media?

It can be tricky to write copy for social advertising. Not everyone is a master of copywriting. Some people spend hours trying to write a single post.

It is possible to improve your skill in writing great content. Having the best tools available can certainly help speed up that process!

Once you've written your copy, don't forget to check, test & track so you can measure the results easily.

10. Track your results

You can measure whether or not your social media marketing campaign is successful by using analytics tools to track where your visitors are coming from and how they interact with your content.

When you track the results, you can then use this information to make future campaigns more effective.

For example, if you post something on LinkedIn and get no response from readers, you may want to try the same content on a different platform in the future.

Measurement allows businesses to see which tactics are successful so that they can focus on them and ignore the ones that aren't effective.

I use Metricool - The #1 Tool to manage and measure the results of my digital content

11. Set a goal for each post you write

When you set a goal for each post, you'll focus on creating content that appeals to readers and gives them what they need. This will help your business to build trust with customers.

Set goals by having an idea of the type of response you hope to get from readers, such as shares, comments, or user actions. Each social post should help you reach these goals.

For example, your primary goal might be to encourage engagement and have a specific number of readers comment on your post and refer their friends to your page. If you do this consistently on every post, people will eventually take notice and say, "Hey! I want what they have."

How do you set goals for your posts? Do share in the comments below!

What works for you when trying to generate leads through social media?

12. Combine your copy with complementary visuals

When you post visual content, make sure you include a caption that adds to the overall message and completes the post. Your copy should accurately describe what's happening in the picture.

When a social media user finds a visually appealing image on their newsfeed, they'll stop to look at it. This gives them more time to read your caption, which means they will be more likely to see and remember your message.

If you want to create visual content for social media, here are some of my favourite tools that might make it easier:

Canva - Create design templates or elements for different social media platforms.

Simplified - Whenever I want to create high-quality social media graphics, Simplified is my go-to.

Glorify - Usually overlooked for social images, Glorify is for much more than e-commerce. If you want images that have a different look and feel to everything else being shared out there, try Glorify.

Ripl - I have used Ripl for animated images for many years.

Photovibrance - really elevate your images to awesome with stunning visual impact.

13. Magical emojis

I did touch on emojis above, but why are they important?

Well, they're important because of the response rate.

Emojis are images that help readers understand your message better by depicting your emotions as you write your post. Emojis help to translate the feeling you are trying to convey, which is important in social media marketing because this is how we interact with each other on a daily basis.

In case you didn't know - brands using emojis in their social posts typically receive more engagement.

14. Encourage engagement from social media users

There's really no other place like social media to build rapport with potential clients. That's why you should always be encouraging your audience to comment and ask questions.

These days, people want to feel involved in the discussion, so it is essential that you let them know there is a place for their opinions. If they have something worthwhile to say, don't hesitate to ask them! And then respond as necessary.

When you reach out and ask for help, readers will feel more like they are a part of your business. They'll see that you also want to be a part of theirs, and it makes them want to respond to what you have written.

15. Stay on top of social media trends

Make certain you are active on social media yourself. It will be your best defense against a social media snafu.

Follow a variety of accounts on different platforms, looks at trends in the way people are engaging with one another, and see what you can learn from it. Then, apply this knowledge to your business page right away!

What's the latest trending topic or top tips? These are great examples of the type of content that get the most engagement.

16. Write stuff people want to share

If all of your posts are about you and the products or services that you sell, it won't be long before those interested in what you have to offer will move on. But if you take the time to write posts that are centred on your audience, they will be more likely to stay.

When you create content for social media that is relevant and interesting to your audience, then they will also find it worth sharing with their friends and family online. Discover the power of listicles!

In order to get started with this sort of writing, find out what your target audience is most interested in. Try conducting some market research on the people who follow your pages or groups and find out what they would like to see more of on social media.

17. Be positive

It doesn't mean every thread will be happy - there's a HUGE difference between happy and positive. But it does mean you'll be avoiding the negative, and that goes a long way.

People on social media will talk about your company before they decide whether or not to buy anything from you - especially if it's something like a service. When people are talking about you, what do they say? Do they sound positive or negative?

Make sure every message is a positive message at the core.

18. Be funny or inspiring

People like to read inspirational and/or uplifting posts because they often just want to turn their minds off after work or school. Readers will often engage with anything that entertains them on days where they feel down. But humor is important, too.

People like to laugh and will get a kick out of interacting with an entertaining social post or article. It relieves some of the stress they may be feeling in their daily lives. So try to mix it up and give your audience some variety as you write your posts!

How Home Service Professionals can build their brand awareness via social media

I was recently asked by Porch to provide some expert tips on how Home Service Professionals can build their brand awareness via social media...

There are several topics that home service professionals can create content around for their social media channels in order to build trust with their followers and potential customers:

Expert advice, tutorials and tips: Share your knowledge and expertise in your field by posting 'how to' content and advice related to home services. For example, you could share tips on how to maintain HVAC systems, keep plumbing systems running smoothly, or take care of a lawn. Tip: Use Jasper Chat to help you write authoritative posts in moments.

Transformation photos: Use before-and-after photos of projects you have completed, highlighting the transformation from start to finish. This helps build trust by showing your expertise and the quality of your work.

Customer testimonials: Highlight positive feedback and reviews from satisfied customers demonstrating that others have had positive experiences with your services. Share success stories from customers who have had great experiences with your customer service and how you were able to turn around a negative situation.

Case studies: Develop case studies highlighting how you solved a customer’s pain point with your product or service. Tip: Read this blog post to learn how to craft a compelling case study

Behind-the-scenes content: Post photos and videos that give a behind-the-scenes look at your business and how you operate via stories and reels to show the effort you put into providing quality services.

Industry news and updates: Curate news and updates from your industry, including new products and services, changes to regulations, and advancements in technology to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field.

Community involvement: Add updates about your involvement in local events and initiatives showing your commitment to the community and the positive impact you have.

Light entertainment: Mix up your content with fun, lighthearted updates like “Did you know” facts, jokes and memes to keep your audience engaged. Tip: Create unique images from words with Jasper Art

These seven topics are a basic framework around which you can develop a content calendar with variety and value.

So, is copywriting for social media really a thing?

Many of the most socially interesting posts share great information in their copy. It's smart for you to do the same.

The key is to start thinking about your page as a platform - and then give people something worth reading. If you are doing that, my bet would be that you're on the right track!

But I wouldn't hesitate to say: You've got to come up with content that people will want to consume.

Readers are more likely to spend time looking at engaging posts, like interesting images and articles, than they are ads.

What is the main use of social media?

According to a recently conducted survey, social media users cite online community building as their chief use of social media.

Other uses include keeping in touch with friends and family who have moved away, sharing photos of special events or interests (which can serve as an introduction to new people with similar interests), and promoting a brand or business.

What is the best social media platform for businesses?

Facebook has emerged as the most popular site, especially among small businesses. The site offers a number of tools that are useful to advertisers: measurable results, highly targeted ads, a business page where you can post information and updates on your company, and a marketplace where businesses can sell their products.

Which of the social media networks is right for you?

You have options for connecting with different audiences through your social marketing activities, with options such as a Facebook post, a Facebook Ad, or an Instagram Post. You can also explore Pinterest and LinkedIn as options.

Paid advertising, like Facebook ads, require you to have an ad spend budget - not something everyone has in the beginning.

When should I start using social media?

You may have noticed that most major corporations these days are using some form of social media in their marketing efforts. From Coca-Cola and McDonalds to Home Depot and Disney, the big guys are all on social media in a big way.

Social media marketing is one of the most effective ways of building your brand through referrals and viral effects. Therefore getting into it sooner rather than later may be a good idea.

How do you write catchy headlines for social media posts?

According to recent studies, catchy headlines result in more shares on Facebook and Twitter. One of the most effective ways to write a catchy headline is by asking a question that readers want to be answered.

Questions are also widely used with hashtags, which tend to get users' attention and encourage them to share your posts.

For example:

How do I start a successful blog? #newblogger

Where can I find free and easily shareable images? #freeimages

What are the benefits of using animated GIFs over videos? #animatedgifs

How do I write more likable social media copy? #socialmediamarketing

There are so many social platforms with varied length requirements it is sometimes difficult to know exactly what to write. If only there were some way to get help...

What makes great social media copy?

According to recent studies, engaging copy gets more likes, comments, and shares on social media.

When writing for an audience, you should always keep in mind what your target market wants to see.

For example:

Is social media marketing right for me? #marketingonlinewhichisrightforyou #doitright Are you a small business owner or perhaps in charge of an online brand presence? Then you have to know about social media marketing. Social media has become the greatest way for people and businesses to connect with each other. More importantly, it can help your brand reach heights of popularity that were previously impossible.

How do I learn to write social media copy?

As years go by, more and more people are finding it easier to communicate with each other through social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. More businesses are taking advantage of the platforms and using them to their advantage.

But more than that, they are also learning ways on how to improve their efficiency. They are learning good copywriting in order for them to enhance their business through shared content on different platforms.

What is social media copywriting?

In a nutshell, it is the art of creating exceptional content for your business and sharing that content through different social media platforms. The major aspect of social networking in this age is how to make people believe what you are saying. You have to be a convincing writer.

It has become one of the most important skill sets one can acquire in order to succeed in the modern business environment. By creating copy that captures the imagination of your audience, you will be able to entice them into doing what it is you want them to do.

How can I write good copy for my social media post?

Learning how to create great content for social media won't just make your business more effective; it will make you more money. This is because through learning social media copywriting, you will be able to build your brand and increase its value over time.

But don't expect to have a rock-star business right away or even within the first few months of working on your content.

Writing for a specific audience is one skill that few people possess. The problem lies with generating creative ideas to share with your audience.

So what should I do if I want to learn how to write effective social media copy?

You can take the long road and follow a course, watch YouTube videos, or even read books, but there is a faster way.

How?

With an AI Copywriter called Jasper.

Using Jasper for your social media copywriting serves two purposes:

1. It will save you time, and I mean a LOT of time, in trying to get your post copy right.

2. It will help you become a better marketer, as you will learn how the AI writes copy to increase engagement.

BTW - this works for all types of copy, not just post copy!

If you want to learn how to write better copy for your social media posts, it is time that you started using AI for your copywriting. The best thing about Jarvis is that all of the content created by the AI will be unique and tailored toward your target audience.

You'll also save yourself a lot of time in trying to come up with great ideas because this app does all of the work for you!

Interested? Click here now, and let's get started today with a free trial of Jasper!

The power of great copywriting

It is important to remember that there are many different types of social media platforms, and the principles for one might not work as well on another. It's best to review your marketing strategy every few months or so in order to ensure it stays up-to-date with trends in the marketplace and new features offered by major social media sites like Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn.

If you give a little consideration to how people think during their purchasing process, you can start driving more sales without much effort!

This post was written with this assistance of my trusty AI sidekick Jarvis (now Jasper)