11 Things to Post on Social Media

If you're struggling to create content to post to social media, consider taking a step back. You don't want to get bogged down in trying to find that one post that is the funniest thing ever or has Earth-shattering information. Just start posting bits of what's going on with your business. Post consistently and post a variety of content. By having a diverse range of content, you'll appeal to a larger audience; each of us has different preferences: photos, data, videos, quotes. There's so much value in keeping your online communication light, conversational and ongoing - it's social, after all. Here are 11 starting points for you and further explanation below. 

1. Advice: Give some practical tips to your audience. Nearly every industry has something that is relatable to the general population. It's a matter of finding out what tips and advice they'd value and providing those. Maybe try to come up with one every week for a consistent "Tuesday Tip" post.
2. Photos: Many clients I work with feel like they have to have a professional photographer come on site for a shoot in order to get a photo of a product or completed project to share. Not necessary. Just take a good quality photo with your smartphone and post it. And it doesn't have to be showcasing what your business offers. Take a photo of your employees, yourself, something that inspires you. This is your chance to humanize your business and get your audience to relate to your brand. 
3. Specials: You certainly want to share when you have a sale or promotion; just don't constantly be overselling. The 80-20 rule suggests that 80% of your social media communication should be to engage with your audience, 20% should be to promote your business. That's only 1 in 5 posts.  
4. A poll: This is a fun tool in Facebook, but you could also use it on other social media platforms just by asking for comments of user's choices. Have a poll to ask folks what's their favorite product you offer, when was they last time they were at your place of business, or even something unrelated to your business... it's just a fun way to engage your audience. Even better if you can tally and share the results.
5. Humor: Search for or create an image or meme that you find funny. Whether it's something related to your business or not, everyone likes to laugh and humor has been shown to help people connect with a company. 
6. Articles: You should always be doing some research or at least light reading about your industry. When you find something that may be interesting to the general population, share a link to it on social media.
7. Videos: Take a video of your product line, your employees at work, your product being made, your store or office space, a workplace prank, anything really. Video tends to have greater engagement than photo or text posts. 
8. A question: Do a little research about your audience. Ask them what was the last service they received from you (or a similar company) or what new product or service they would like to your business offer. Social media is two-way communication. Prompt your audience to talk to you by asking a question. 
9. Industry News: Rather than share more articles, look for trends or headlines or other insights about your industry and share those facts or data. Just be sure to cite where you got that info from, or even better, provide a link to more information from that source. 
10: Quotes: Quotes provide a lot of inspiration to people. Share a quote from a famous philosopher, a business or political leader, or even from one of your employees or customers. Making a visual out of it will result in greater engagement.
11: Reviews: You should always be asking your customers for reviews. Good or bad, reviews help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and ultimately, make improvements. When you get a great review or testimonial (either directly, or that you find on a review site like Yelp), share it on social media.