EDITOR’S LETTER

Posting Pointers

Managing social media can be more than a little confusing. To help, here’s some recent research on what works and what doesn’t

ODD OR EVEN?

If you’re numbering items in a post, pick: 3, 5, 7, or 10. Odd numbers are definitely more “in” than even ones.

Source: Small Business Trends

WORDS TO USE

The best (that is, most attention-grabbing) words to use in a post are: easier, rock star, capture, killer, secrets, perfection, quick, dangerous, clever, next level, guarantee, boost, latest, mega, absolutely, ridiculous, VIP, limited time, and worst.

Why worst? “People are more attracted to the negative than the positive.”

Source: Nextiva

POSTING TIMES

The best day to post on Facebook is Monday. The worst: Saturday. As for Twitter, the best days are Saturday and Sunday.

Sources: Socialbakers and Buddy Media

COUNTING CLICKS

Discount offers are the No. 1 reason Americans use brands’ mobile apps (67 percent) followed by contests or giveaways (41 percent). Only 17 percent are likely to click in response to an opportunity to share photos, opinions, or experiences.

Source: Analytic Partners

SHELF LIFE

Facebook posts garner half the attention they’re going to get within 30 minutes of posting. In fact, one third of views occur within the first 10 minutes. At 90 minutes and beyond, you’re down to less than 2 percent of total audience views.

Source: Socialbakers

Clearly, posting on social media shouldn’t be a casual undertaking. Take it seriously, do it often, and see if following some of these suggestions makes a difference in your views and clicks.

Happy posting,

Stephanie K. De Long
Editorial Director