11 Things to Check Before Posting Your Next Content on Social Media

Social media has become an indispensable tool for individuals and businesses alike, transforming the way we connect, share, and promote ideas, products, and services. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn offer unparalleled opportunities to reach diverse audiences, foster relationships, and build communities. For businesses, social media is not just a channel for advertising; it is a critical component of customer engagement, brand building, and market research.

For individuals, it provides a platform for self-expression, networking, and personal branding. The immediacy and broad reach of social media make it a powerful tool, but also a crowded and competitive space where standing out requires more than just frequent posting.

However, the vast amount of content being uploaded every second makes it increasingly challenging to capture and retain audience attention. Amid this constant stream of information, it is crucial to ensure that your content is not only seen but also effective, engaging, and appropriate.

Posting content without a strategic approach can lead to missed opportunities and even potential pitfalls. To navigate this complex landscape successfully, here are 11 things to check before posting on social media to help you stand out in this crowded digital space.

1. Audience Relevance

Understanding your audience is the cornerstone of any successful social media strategy. Your content should be tailored to meet the interests and needs of your followers. Start by defining your target audience in terms of age, gender, location, interests, and online behaviors. Create personas to visualize your typical followers and what kind of content they find valuable.

Leverage tools like Facebook Insights, TikTok Analytics, and Instagram Insights to gather data on your audience’s preferences and behaviors. These tools provide valuable metrics such as engagement rates, reach, and follower demographics.

By continuously analyzing this data, you can refine your content strategy to ensure it remains relevant and engaging for your audience. This targeted approach is a key thing to check before posting on social media, as it helps increase the likelihood of your content being seen and interacted with.

2. Content Quality

High-quality content is essential for capturing and maintaining your audience’s attention. This means not only using high-resolution images and well-edited videos but also ensuring that the content itself is valuable. Invest in good photography or stock images, and use video editing software to enhance your videos. For written content, ensure it’s free of grammatical errors and flows well.

Using tools like Grammarly can help catch mistakes, while platforms like Canva can help you create visually appealing graphics. Ensuring top content quality is one of the most important things to check before posting on social media. Check out the sizing content guide on IG and TikTok here.

3. Messaging and Tone

Consistency in messaging and tone helps establish a recognizable brand voice. Before posting, ensure that your content’s tone matches your brand’s identity and is appropriate for the platform. For example, a tech company might use a formal tone on LinkedIn but adopt a more relaxed, playful tone on Instagram.

Ensure your message is clear and aligns with your brand values. This helps in building trust and loyalty among your followers. If your brand is about innovation, your posts should consistently reflect cutting-edge ideas and trends.

4. Call To Action (CTA)

A strong Call to Action (CTA) can significantly increase the effectiveness of your posts. Whether you want your audience to visit your website, share your post, comment, or purchase a product, make your CTA specific and compelling. Use action-oriented language like “Discover,” “Learn More,” “Join Now,” or “Shop Today.”

Ensure your CTA stands out visually and is easy to follow. For example, if you’re promoting a new blog post, a clear “Read More” button should link directly to the article.

5. Hashtags and Keyword

Hashtags and keywords play a crucial role in increasing the visibility of your content. They help categorize your posts and make them discoverable to a broader audience. Research trending and relevant hashtags using tools like Hashtagify or the search function within platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Incorporating relevant keywords and hashtags is another critical thing to check before posting on social media, as it helps boost your reach and discoverability.

6. Timing and Frequency

The timing of your post can significantly affect its performance. Each social media platform has peak times when user activity is highest. Research suggests that these times can vary by platform and audience. For instance, posting on Facebook between 1 PM and 4 PM typically yields higher engagement, while on Instagram, evenings and weekends might be more effective.

Use scheduling tools like Hootsuite and Sprout Social to post at optimal times. Additionally, maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. Consistency helps build anticipation and ensures your audience knows when to expect new content.

7. Compliance and Accuracy

Ensure that your content complies with the platform’s guidelines and legal standards. This includes adhering to copyright laws, obtaining proper permissions for using images or music, and avoiding misleading information. Non-compliance can result in content removal or, worse, legal action.

Always fact-check any claims or statistics included in your posts to maintain credibility. Tools like Copyscape can help check for plagiarism, and fact-checking websites can verify the accuracy of the information.

8. Engagement Preparation

Be prepared to engage with your audience once your content is posted. Engagement is not just about posting content but also about fostering a two-way conversation. Responding to comments, answering questions, and acknowledging shares can foster a sense of community and loyalty. Plan for engagement by allocating time to interact with your audience shortly after posting.

Increasing your engagement does not only increases the visibility of your post through algorithms but also builds stronger connections with your followers. Use social media management tools to monitor and respond to comments and messages promptly.

9. Analytics and Performance Tracking

After posting, it’s essential to track the performance of your content. Monitor key metrics such as likes, shares, comments, and reach to understand how your audience is interacting with your content. Use these insights to refine your strategy continuously. For instance, if you notice that posts with infographics perform better, consider creating more of this type of content.

Tools like Google Analytics for web traffic and native platform analytics tools provide comprehensive insights into your content’s performance. Regularly reviewing these metrics helps you stay on top of trends and adjust your strategy accordingly.

10. Mobile Optimization

Given that a large portion of social media users access platforms through their mobile devices, ensuring your content is mobile-friendly is crucial. Images, videos, and graphics should be optimized for smaller screens. Check if your visuals are clear and your text is readable on mobile without excessive zooming or scrolling.

Many platforms, like Instagram and Facebook, offer previews of how your content will appear on mobile devices. Adjust any elements that may look distorted or cut-off in these previews. Additionally, avoid long blocks of text, as they can overwhelm mobile users—break up the information into digestible chunks or use bullet points.

11. Platform-Specific Features

Each social media platform has unique features and tools that can enhance your content and make it more engaging. Before posting, evaluate whether you’re taking full advantage of these platform-specific functionalities. For example, Instagram has interactive elements like polls, questions, and countdowns in Stories, while LinkedIn allows for document uploads directly in posts to provide additional value to your audience.

TikTok offers trends that are time-sensitive, so staying updated with popular sounds or effects can give your content more visibility. By using these native tools, you can increase engagement and make your posts stand out in a competitive space.

Conclusion

In the fast-paced world of social media, each piece of content you share represents your brand and has the potential to reach a wide audience. By carefully considering these 11 things to check before posting on social media, you can enhance the effectiveness, relevance, and engagement of your social media efforts. Remember, quality over quantity, strategic timing, and active engagement are key components of a successful social media presence. As you plan your next post, keep these factors in mind to maximize your impact and build a stronger connection with your audience. Regularly revisiting and adjusting your strategy based on analytics and feedback will ensure your content remains relevant and engaging.