Wylie's Writing Tips

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How to be relevant on social media

Write about the reader, not about us and our stuff

In a recent “Dilbert” cartoon, Dilbert and Wally beg their pointy-haired boss to keep them constantly updated on all his daily activities via Twitter.

How to be relevant on social media
It’s all about you Whether you’re writing for Facebook, Twitter or other social networks, writing about your readers increases followers and engagement. Image by Marion Michele

“We find you fascinating,” Wally says. “Oh, yes. Every little thing you do is interesting.”

Fast forward to the last frame, where Wally and Dilbert are sitting with their feet up in the conference room, drinking coffee and checking Twitter on their mobile phones.

“Where’s idiot boy now?” Wally asks.

“In the parking lot,” Dilbert answers. “No need to look busy yet.”

We know our social network doesn’t find every little thing you do fascinating. So how do you reach readers with relevant posts and status updates?

1. Write to and about the reader. It’s the most retweeted word in the English language, according to viral marketing scientist Dan Zarrella: You. Want to reach your readers? Write to and about your readers.

2. Put the reader first. To focus your message on your readers’ interests, put the reader first. Start your sentence — start all of your social media marketing, for that matter — with you.

Instead of:

Trainingnet.com helps you improve productivity

Try:

Get all your work done in half the time, be the office hero and go home early with Trainingnet.com’s new webinar.

3. Try the imperative voice. Focus on how readers can benefit from your products, services, programs and ideas. Think Make money … Save money … Save time … Avoid effort.

Get the rest of Ann’s research and her other 4 tips. >>>

How can you write content readers want to read?

There’s a lot of ME in social MEdia. And there’s a great big I in TwItter. No wonder social media thought leader Brian Solis calls content marketing the egosystem.

Get Clicked, Liked & Shared, our content-writing workshop on April 18

Unfortunately, talking about yourself and your stuff on social channels works about as well as it does at a cocktail party. But watch your social media reach and influence grow when you deliver relevant, valuable, useful content.

Learn how to identify what content readers want to read at Get Clicked, Liked & Shared, our content-writing workshop on April 18-22.

You’ll learn to your company as the expert in the field. Find out how to make sure your posts are welcome guests and not intrusive pests. And discover the power of the most-retweeted word in the English language.

Save up to $100 with our group discounts.

Register for Get Clicked, Liked & Shared, our content-writing workshop on April 18