Scheduling posts ahead of time can make the social media management process more efficient and easy to keep track of. However, it can be an ineffective tool if it is not done strategically. Whether you are just getting started with social media scheduling or would like to find a way to hone the process, we have compiled a list of Do's and Don'ts to help you.
Do
Create a master schedule with dates, times and platforms
Forgetting about posts is all too common when you do not have an organized, chronological editorial calendar. Start off on the right foot by creating a calendar that includes your post message, image, any links intended to go with the post, the date and time it will be posted and the platforms it will be posted on.
Use a scheduling platform like Hootsuite
Though some social media platforms allow you to schedule ahead, the quickest way to schedule posts across multiple social accounts is to use a scheduling tool like Hootsuite or Buffer. You'll be able to manage all posts from one central location, minimizing mistakes or forgotten posts.
Schedule posts weekly or daily
Though we would all like for things to always go as planned, sometimes posts inevitably need to be altered due to timely events or changes. Our standard rule is to schedule posts on the first day of each week to account for last minute changes and to catch any potential issues before posts go live. If your company is a large brand that is highly active on social media, you may want to consider scheduling daily.
Set a reminder to schedule posts
Let's be honest, we all forget about tasks from time to time. Make sure you are not forgetting to schedule social media posts by setting a reminder on your phone, computer or wherever you keep track of to-dos.
Don't
Forget that platforms vary
Of course it is faster to schedule one message to four social platforms. However, optimizing content for individual platforms can increase your reach and strengthen your brand. For example, you want to include hashtags on Twitter, but that strategy may not be as effective on Facebook.
Use scheduling for live events or time-sensitive posts
If you are planning to post during a live event, skip the scheduling. Your messages will appear more genuine and timely if they are posted at the right moment.
Forget to loop in other account admins
One advantage to scheduling social media in advance is that you are able to space posts out for a more optimized approach. Don't forget to let other account admins know that you have posts scheduled, though. Communicate with each other when posting to avoid overlap.
Schedule and forget
Just because your posts are scheduled and ready to go ahead of time does not mean you should not be periodically checking on them to make sure they are posted and without error. You also want to watch engagement closely to ensure you are interacting on posts with your audience.
Now that you know the best tricks and tips for social media scheduling, you can hone your social media strategy even further. For expert social media services and advice, contact Informatics.
