Social Media Tips

Hi everyone!

My qualifications for this are that I have a Certification in Technical Writing with a focus on Social Media.

Some quick tips:

1. We should only use hashtags on Twitter and Instagram. Facebook hashtags are not consistently used. Also, Facebook algorithms don't promote hashtags as much as other platforms, so it becomes wasted effort and clutter on your posts.

2. For Twitter and Instagram, hashtags help to promote yourself by making your posts more visible.

3. DO NOT use the same hashtags every time you post. The general rule of thumb is only to use a hashtag once a week (ex. #writingcommunity on Monday and then using it again the following Monday). If every post or a majority of posts uses the same hashtag, you can be shadow-banned by the platforms. This means Instagram or Twitter will not notify you, but these social media platforms will make it harder for people to see your posts, even if they are following you.

What hashtags to use to help boost visibility:

When you post about your daily life, your brand, or your authentic self, it's a good idea to use hashtags such as #writerlife #lifeaswriter #writingcommunity

1. Specific hashtags to your situation/post such as #plantmom / #plantdad / #plantparent

2. You can also do hashtags such as #alwayslate #researchaddict and other hashtags that don't take yourself too seriously. You're not always perfect and acknowledging this helps people relate to you.

On platforms like Twitter and Instagram, there are 'trending' hashtags and general topic hashtags. Many times, people look up hashtags rather than specific individuals. This will help you gain more traction and followers as you continue to grow your brand. Don't forget, YOU are your brand.

I will have a post that delves more into specific hashtags you can use as well as basic explanations of algorithms and tricks you can use to help increase your visibility online which can help promote your current and future writing.