Using social media effectively doesn’t just mean getting good engagement. In fact, there’s a whole side to social media that many companies aren’t using effectively! While it’s a great branding tool, social media is also the perfect place to post timely communications. Unexpected closures, last-minute events, changes to your systems – all of these are great to share on your social media platforms. Here are a few best practices:
Post early and often.
If you have a big change coming up, let your audience know as soon as possible. No one wants to find out big news last minute, so make sure you’re keeping followers in the loop as soon as you can. Similarly, send out reminders as changes get closer. Your first post might not stick in someone’s mind, and each subsequent post is proof that you care about giving everyone the information they need.
Be straightforward with your audience.
Companies sometimes use flowery language when trying to communicate changes. However, this isn’t always the most helpful! Make sure you’re posting what’s happening in plain language, so readers can easily and quickly understand exactly what you need them to.
Update if needed.
Did something change after your first announcement? Social media is a great place to report updates since your audience can see the timeline of announcements. Posts at the top of a reader's feed will be the most accurate, allowing them to find the info they need faster.
Don’t be afraid to address negatives.
Bad things happen, and not acknowledging negatives can be worse than addressing them. Anything from a tech snafu to a corporate crisis can be addressed on social media. Just make sure you also explain how you’re going to fix it and the changes you’ll make to prevent it from happening again.
Don’t overthink it.
At the end of the day, social media is social media. It’s an important part of your marketing strategy, but it’s not life or death! You know what your audience wants to hear and how they want to hear it. If you’re using social media correctly, posting timely communications should feel like second nature.
If you’re still unsure on how to start, reach out to one of our account managers! Our team has experience with every part of social media, from long-term planning to last-minute communications. We’re here to help!